Hurricane Season Began June 1

Hurricanes are the most powerful and destructive storms on the planet, accounting for a large percent of the country's catastrophic losses - and loss of life. The only way to help ensure that you can protect your organization's records and employees is to be prepared and to take all the necessary steps to avoid being caught in a hurricane. This week's articles provide important safety information you should know.

We could have an active hurricane season this year. (Item #1)   ReadyAmerica provides safety information about hurricanes. (Item #2)   These checklists can help you prepare for coming storms. (Item #3)  

Most of us don't think about danger from fire during or after hurricanes. (Item #4)   How to react safely in a hurricane. (Item #5)   Is good insurance part of your emergency response? (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. NOAA hurricane outlook indicates an above-normal Atlantic season

The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center - a division of the National Weather Service. They are anticipating 12-18 named storms, 6-10 of which could become hurricanes.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110519_atlantichurricaneoutlook.html

2. Hurricanes

People who live in hurricane prone communities should know their vulnerability, and what actions should be taken to reduce the effects of these devastating storms. The information here from Ready America can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html

3. Hurricane Safety Checklists

Whether at home or at work, it's important to know what to have on hand to get you through a hurricane. The National Hurricane Survival Initiative offers checklists to help you prepare.
http://hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists/

4. Hurricane/Tornado Fire Safety

A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a tornado or hurricane. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/tornado.shtm

5. Your guide to tornado safety

Tornadoes have affected every state in the USA - although some more than others - and, as history shows us, even metropolitan areas are not immune to twisters. The links in this article will help you plan for a tornado and then react in safe ways when one threatens, if one hits, and after a tornado.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/safety/wtornado.htm

6. Is your Business Insurance Adequately Protecting You?

Business owners and managers need to be vigilant to the fact that a natural disaster is possible. Savvy business owners use a combination of disaster recovery planning, supplemented by business insurance, to ensure that their business can survive and recover from a major storm. Even if your business is not located in a coastal area, there are questions you must consider.
http://www.rja.com/Business_Insurance/is-your-business-insurance-adequately-protecting-you/