Windstorm Preparedness:
Be Calm Before the Storm

In anticipation of high winds or a severe storm event:

Get a Team Together
Form an emergency organization (EO) that will anticipate the damage windstorms could potentially wreak on your facilities, and take precautionary measures to mitigate exposures. The EO should:

• Include personnel trained to take immediate action, and who have access to equipment and procedures for dealing with the effects of a windstorm.




• Quickly assess damage to the facility, and carefully attempt to restore facility operations.
   
  

• Communicate with any operating personnel remaining at your facility during a storm via phones, e-mail, two-way radio, CB radio, cellular phones, and even ham radio (redundant means of communication are vital considering the damage that may occur to utility poles, satellite dishes and transmission towers during a severe storm).
  
  

• Have a plan with security personnel to deter vandalism and looting in cases where many windows and doors are broken and the public has access to your facilities and equipment.
  
  

• Be kept up-to-date on the latest disaster planning and recovery training available.

Time to Act
When the storm is on the radar screen and high winds are in the forecast, there are some steps you and your EO can take to reduce potential wind-related losses.

• Check your roof flashing. If loose, secure properly with fasteners. If you must prioritize, focus on the corners.
  
  

• Remove all outdoor furniture, trash receptacles and other equipment to prevent them from acting as windblown missiles.
  
  

• Shield windows with hurricane shutters or ¾ inch plywood (this is the minimum plywood thickness needed to achieve protection).
  
  

• Close and latch exterior doors and windows. Brace large doors at shipping and receiving docks.
  
  

• Relocate materials away from windows.
  
  

• Elevate or move vital equipment and storage to higher ground.
  

If roofs and windows are damaged during windstorms, rain can enter the structure and cause significant damage, particularly to products such as chemicals, electronic instruments, food, pharmaceuticals, paper goods, roll paper, and metallic surfaces prone to rusting. In addition, all items stored on the floor are especially vulnerable to water accumulation. Where possible, avoid storing products on the floor, and rest process equipment on raised floor areas. If you can’t move equipment or materials, keep waterproof tarpaulins on hand to cover vulnerable equipment, materials in process and finished goods.