Hurricane preparation

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that 13 to 16 named storms will occur during the 2006 hurricane season, which started June 1, with eight to ten becoming hurricanes and four to six major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or stronger.

An Ad Council survey conducted last October says that only 39 percent of companies have a hurricane disaster plan in place.

What should companies do? The recent American Society of Safety Engineers preparation list includes these key steps:

* Do a risk assessment – learn the emergencies that could impact your company
* Institute emergency planning – determine the staff, materials, procedures and equipment to keep your organization running
* Develop a continuity of operations plan – in case your facility is inaccessible
* Define procedures – determine individual responsibilities and train workers to provide emergency assistance
* Coordinate with others – including first responders, emergency managers, community organizations and utility providers
* Conduct employee planning – make sure your employees can recover after a disaster, return to work and re-establish their routines