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The hurricane season starts June 1, and, from all predictions, is likely to be a very active one, costing thousands of dollars in damages and lost business. It makes sense, therefore, to make your preparations… just in case. The articles below offer information to help you survive and recover from hurricanes.

The approaching 2008 Atlantic hurricane season is likely to be above normal, with up to 16 named storms and up to five major hurricanes. (Item #1) Keep this article handy; it covers many good tips for preparing for hurricanes. (Item #2) This article provides information on how to avoid after-hurricane dangers. (Item #3)

OSHA's cleanup safety fact sheets could come in handy if hurricanes hit your area. (Item #4) Could you recognize the signs of disaster-related stress? (Item #5) Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service has sound advice for coastal businesses. (Item #6) From Florida comes this handy survival guide for small businesses. (Item #7)

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at [email protected]

Best Regards,

Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp

Quote of the Week

"Review or complete emergency plans now - before a storm threatens.
Planning and preparation is [sic] the key to storm survival and recovery."
- Conrad C. Lautenbacher, NOAA administrator -

Articles

1. NOAA predicts above-normal '08 hurricane season
The outlook, issued by the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, calls for "considerable activity," with a 65 percent probability of an above-normal season, and an overall 90 percent chance the season will be normal or above, the agency said in a news release.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/05/22/hurricane.season/?iref=mpstoryview

2. Key Facts about Hurricane Readiness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer tips on hurricane preparedness, from preparation, to emergency supplies, to what to do if evacuation is ordered.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/readiness.asp

3. How to Protect Yourself from the Dangers That Hurricanes Leave Behind
Protecting your health and safety are just as important after a hurricane as during a hurricane. Hurricanes leave a number of dangers behind. Here are some tips for preventing illness, injury, and death after a hurricane.
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r981001.htm

4. OSHA Issues Alert on Dangers Associated with Hurricane Cleanup
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA highlights the dangers of hurricane cleanup. Links to a series of cleanup safety fact sheets are also provided.
http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/news/news.asp?ID=3735

5. Coping with Disaster
The emotional toll that disaster brings can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage and loss of home, business, or personal property. FEMA offers some guidelines on recognizing and dealing with disaster-related stress.
http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope.shtm

6. Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane
A relatively small investment of time and money now may prevent severe damage and disruption of life and business in the future. Ask yourself: what if the worst happened? How would it affect my business and my family? Would we survive if the business were closed down for weeks, months, or perhaps my entire revenue season?
http://www.113calhoun.org/pdfs/prepbusin.pdf

7. Hurricane Survival Guide for Small Businesses
Because of the long-lasting and sometimes terminal effect hurricanes can have on businesses, particularly small businesses, the South Florida Regional Planning Council has developed this Hurricane Survival Guide for Small Businesses. This guide is intended to assist small business owners in planning and preparing for hurricane season, and in the recovery phase in the event their business is damaged during a hurricane.
http://redcross.tallytown.com/library/HurricaneSurvivalGuideForSmallBusinesses.pdf