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Are you prepared to deal with the dangers of summer? The Atlantic hurricane season officially opens June 1 and ends Nov. 30, although hurricanes can occur outside of these dates. According to the National Weather Service, heat illnesses and solar radiation cause the second most number of deaths due to weather! And lightning is another element of nature to beware of... NASA recently that lightning is four times hotter than the sun. This week's articles were chosen to help you avoid some of summer's dangers.

What's in store for the 2009 hurricane season? (Item #1)   Florida Power & Light offers tips for preparing your business and home for hurricanes. (Item #2)   Although lightning strikes year round, summer is the peak season for lightning dangers. (Item #3)  

Heat-related illnesses can affect any employees who work out of doors, and anyone who isn't careful to take preventive measures. (Item #4)   Staying hydrated is particularly important in sweaty weather. (Item #5)   A summer rise in sick time may be nothing more than employees looking to stay home and enjoy the weather... but how does this behavior impact your business? (Item #6)  

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

"Ah, summer - what power you have to make us suffer and like it"
- Russell Baker -

Articles

1. NOAA predicts 'near-normal' Atlantic hurricane season
Federal forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said there probably would be nine to 14 named storms this year, with four to seven becoming hurricanes. Since 1995, 12 of the 14 Atlantic hurricane seasons have seen above-normal tropical activity.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/05/21/2009.atlantic.hurricane/

2. Hurricane Safety and Preparation Tips for Your Business and Employees
Safety is always important - especially during storm season. Here are some practical tips on how to make your workplace, homes and families as safe as possible. Take a moment to review these tips and put them to use.
http://www.fpl.com/storm/pdf/bus_safety.pdf

3. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors
Lightning Safety Week is June 21-27, and the National Weather Service has a lightning safety site with handouts, risk reduction tips, and medical facts. Check the link below for information to keep you, your family and your employees safe in electrical storms.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

4. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Your best defense against heat-related illness is to prevent them. These tips from the CDC can help you avoid heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunstroke.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

5. Dehydration
Dehydration can result from improper hydration in extreme heat situations, as well as from many other causes. This page from the Mayo Clinic discusses the symptoms, causes, what to do, and other helpful info.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print

6. Sunny Skies and High Temperatures Have Employees Suffering From Seasonal Absence Syndrome
A survey done in 2007 showed that an overwhelming number of employees have used "illness" as a way to stay home and enjoy the summer. Does this syndrome impact your organization?
http://www.kronos.com/pressroom/pressreleases/2007/sunny-skies-and-high-temperatures-have-employees-suffering-from-seasonal-absence-syndrome.aspx