Business Preparation & Safety Tips |
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Hurricane/ Safety Tips
Although your business might not sustain heavy damage from wind or flooding, lightning strikes, and the power surges it may cause, can still be a destructive force. Take some simple preventative steps to protect your property as well as your equipment and electronics before, during and after hurricanes and thunderstorms.
Before a Storm:
- Install surge protectors, suppressors or voltage regulators to provide greater protection for your sensitive equipment and help prevent damage from lightning.
- Trim trees as necessary to safeguard property.
- Contact BEC Tree Trimming concerning all trees near power lines. This is an on-going service at BEC and consumers should not wait until the season has started to trim trees.
- Inspect equipment such as generators and chain saws and ensure that everyone who might operate these machines is properly trained.
- Review your insurance policy to ensure that you are adequately covered for all aspects related to the storm (wind, flood, fire etc.).
- Ensure that staff members and their families have created hurricane plans themselves.
When a Storm is Approaching:
- Unplug your equipment, power cords, and cables from outlets.
- Turn off main water valve to reduce the risk of accidentally flooding your property.
- Avoid using any electrical appliances.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio tuned to local stations for hurricane progress reports.
- Avoid flooded roads.
- Pay attention to weather changes. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for raindrops to fall before going indoors.
After a Storm:
- Assume all power lines are live!!! Never touch a fallen line. Call BEC immediately.
- Avoid contact with overhead power lines during clean-up and other activities.
- If circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Stay tuned to local radio for information.
