Heller
By JENNIFER HELLER, guest columnist
It’s that time of year again when thunderstorms are more common, so do a little planning now to help protect your business in the future as the weather continues to warm with spring’s arrival.
First of all, monitor the weather channels to keep aware of storm potential. With the new models, many storms can be fairly accurately predicted.
You can also sign up for alerts on your cell phone. In Brown County you can sign up for alerts at Everbridge. You can sign up for this service on the Brown County government website www.browncounty-in.gov under the “Emergency Management” tab. These alerts can even call you at night when you are least likely to know about an approaching storm. Know that a “warning” means storms are likely and a “watch” means storms have been spotted.
Find a place on your property to provide shelter for anyone at your business that has no windows or glass doors. Flying glass is a real danger in severe storms. If you will be possibly sheltering customers pick as large a space as possible. Stock flashlights, battery powered radios and a first aid kit. You can also learn how to provide basic first aid. Cell phones also may not work if a tower is out of commission, so keep that in mind, too.
Make sure employees know the plan and the area where you will direct customers. It is best to count on a power outage occurring, so any essential equipment will need a generator source. Take an inventory of equipment and assets then take photographs so you can prove damage if necessary. Do not forget to install surge protectors on equipment.
Outside the business, secure all materials and items that may become wind-borne. Check for clogged gutters, tree branches that may fall or unnecessary debris that can be removed.
After the storm, watch out for sharp objects when cleaning up. Watch for downed power lines and maybe even chemical spills. Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes leather gloves. Remember to report any hazardous material spills.
Contact your insurance agent to report losses and discuss restoration needs. Make sure your building is still secure and be careful that carbon monoxide has not built up in any enclosed areas with gas powered equipment running.
Hopefully local businesses can avoid springtime storm damage this year, but it never hurts to be prepared.
Jennifer Heller is the environmental health specialist for the Brown County Health Department. She is responsible for restaurant inspections, septic installation inspections, vector issues, farmer’s markets and home base vendor questions and complaints. She also chairs the Terrorism and All Hazards Preparedness Committee for the Indiana Environmental Health Association and will be the president-elect of that organization in 2022. She can be reached by at [email protected].
