Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2020

2020 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

H U R R I C A N E P L A N N I N G AMID COVID-19 AS THE CAPE FEAR REGION

G RAD UAL LY R E O P E N S

FROM TH E COVI D-19 PAN DE M IC, OU R USUAL TH R EAT IS ON SCH E DU LE.

IT’S H U R R ICAN E SEASON.

BY MORGAN MATTOX

Our region knows all too well the damage and destruction hurricanes bring with them, which is why our community has become seasoned in the art of hurricane preparations and post-storm clean up efforts. However, this year we are working with a different set of circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has consumed much of our time and resources over the past few months, and while our community banded together to “flatten the curve,” that success has taxed our local and national resources.

Hurricane forecasters are predicting 13 to 19 named storms this season, with 3 to 6 becoming major storms – category 3, 4 or 5. And we know it only takes one landfalling storm to cause extensive devastation.

So, what can business owners do to prepare while simultaneously starting to re-open from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Preparations for hurricane season should not be forgotten. Business owners should develop evacuation and communication plans for employees and their customers. Remote working plans, which may already be in place due to COVID-19, are also an essential part of any company’s hurricane preparations. Businesses are also reminded to prepare their physical locations and keep inventory safe from possible damage.

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RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS

In an effort to increase awareness about the proper preparedness steps, Steven Still, Director of New Hanover County Emergency Management states, “Hurricane preparation should continue to be based on the three pillars of being #ReadyNHC: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Stay Informed.”

The county’s emergency management team has been working to provide assistance and resources to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic and while they still plan to keep the pandemic top-of-mind, hurricane preparations and awareness are a necessary component of focus. Business owners who need assistance with planning for emergencies like a hurricane can contact New Hanover County Emergency Management to schedule a consultation.

This is just one of the many resources that the emergency management team offers to business owners.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AID PREPARATION EFFORTS

Over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has depleted many resource reserves, leaving many of us to wonder if

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our community will have enough resources and the proper plan in place to respond to possible storm damage. Many of the supplies needed for the COVID-19 pandemic overlap with the supplies needed for hurricane season. For instance, hand sanitizer and masks will still be needed during hurricane season as well as paper products and nonperishable food items.

Just as New Hanover County’s Emergency Management team works with other facets of local government to create the most comprehensive disaster plan, local businesses working together can make all the difference when mitigating risk. If the last few months have taught us anything about our local business community, it is that we do a wonderful job working together when the going gets tough. Supporting each other when our community is facing a real need is what our area businesses and non-profits have demonstrated, and this component is essential when preparing for pandemics or hurricanes.

potential hurricane, some businesses may see an increase in activity as the public starts to prepare for a possible weather event.

During these times, it is important to continue social distancing by offering curbside pick-up, delivery options, and limiting the number of customers in a facility. According to Still, “It’s also helpful to designate time for customers who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 – older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Guidance on setting up space to provide services can be found in New Hanover County’s (Re)Open for Business document that shares guidance for organizations during the reopening process. The county’s emergency management operation encourages business owners to follow these suggestions even if a possible hurricane makes landfall.

CONTINUING TO SOCIAL DISTANCE

Because our economy depends so much on tourism, our area is home to lots of hotels.

While many hotels have been vacant for several weeks and are just starting to open at limited occupancy, how can hotel owners locally and statewide best prepare for a

As we work through the second phase of reopening, business owners are still encouraged to take the appropriate steps to ensure social distance. In the event of a

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Greater Wilmington Business Journal possible influx of hurricane evacuees all while keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind?

Natalie English, President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, notes, “Hotels are already implementing protocols that incorporate the social distancing guidelines as they are gradually expanding their occupancy.” If hotels are needed for mandatory hurricane evacuations, Still suggests that hotels “…place plastic shields up at check-in desks, assign specific checkin times to limit the number of people in the lobby at once, switch continental breakfasts to brown bag “grab and go,” review cleaning protocol and make sure staff has the proper PPE to conduct cleaning and other business in a way that is consistent with CDC guidelines.”

Making these social distancing measures a priority can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while making sure individuals have access to the services they need in case of a weather emergency.

SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURES Considering the ongoing supply chain pressures from COVID-19, some may wonder if the county or emergency

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE management are making plans to support the supply chain demands during hurricane preparation and response. While Hurricane Florence devastated our region, it also has helped us to become more efficient and effective in our preparations for future hurricanes.

“We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and business partners who have established a Business EOC [Emergency Operations Center], that assists Emergency Management, as well as other businesses, in responding to emergencies. We have established contracts with several local businesses to ensure we have the proper supplies in place for hurricane response,” Still said.

These partnerships provide piece of mind for our business community when preparing for a possible natural disaster and demonstrate how working together can minimize risk and keep people safe.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS

Typically, larger businesses have Business Continuity Plans or Disaster Recovery Plans in place. It’s possible that some businesses are still in the process of creating one or maybe don’t have one at all. These plans provide a clear outline of steps a business

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needs to take in case of a disaster.

Resources for developing a plan for your business are readily available and some are offered at no cost. When discussing how businesses can find resources for plan development, English encourages business owners to utilize the US Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box program to support disaster preparations. More information on this program can be found at: www.UsChamberFoundation.org/Resilience-Box. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security provides plan resources at www.Ready.Gov/Business-Continuity-Plan. She also mentions that specialized consultants can help your business develop a plan for a fee.

New Hanover County Emergency Management provides offerings for business owners seeking to develop a plan as well.

Their team, as well as the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, are available to help advise business owners on the proper ways to develop their plans. Supporting the development of disaster plans for all business owners is but one of many ways our local emergency management team serves our community. To find out more about this offering and other resources that are provided, visit www.ReadyNHC.com.

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For some business owners creating a disaster plan can be overwhelming but with the copious resources available from government and non-profit organizations ─ creating a plan is simple. Find online resources to develop your plan today by visiting New Hanover County Government, N.C. Department of Commerce, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the Carolina Small Business Development Fund.

CREATE BOTH RECOVERY AND EMERGENCY PLANS

SMALL BUSINESS CHECKLIST

Focusing on the development of an immediate-need emergency plan is vital but businesses also need to create plans that detail next steps for after the event. Think about how your business will get up and running after a disaster and make sure to clearly communicate the plan to employees.

SAFEGUARD BUSINESS RECORDS AND FILES Consider making it a habit to regularly back-up important electronic files, such as billing and payroll records, supplier lists, and customer databases. Make sure to make paper copies of vital documents and store them in a secure, safe place off-site.

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MAINTAIN INVENTORY OF ASSETS AND EQUIPMENT Document these important parts of your business in writing and with photographs. This information will need to be regularly updated and electronically backed-up in order to implement your recovery plan.

STORE MINIMAL INVENTORY ON SITE Each business will have a different need in this situation but the common suggestion is to store only three to five days worth of inventory on site. If this is set in place and the worst-case scenario does occur, only a small amount of inventory will perish.

COMMUNICATE CLEARLY WITH EMPLOYEES Establish which employees will be able to report to work after a disaster. Help your staff understand your business emergency plan and provide them resources to establish their own personal emergency plan. Providing guidance and time for your employees to develop their own family disaster plans ensure we all stay safe.

IDENTIFY EQUIPMENT VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE Take into consideration the location of large equipment that could become damaged. Is it near a window where high wind could break glass and create damage? Do you have things located near pipes or a hot water tank which could possible burst and create a water leak on or near the equipment? Take measures to move or raise equipment as needed in order to minimize damage.