Wind Tips

If your home or business is in the path of strong winds, there are some simple things you can do to help mitigate the damage if you have time and it will not put you or others in danger. And, remember, always heed any evacuation orders from local emergency officials.

At Your Home

1. Secure any parts of a fence that appear weakened or loose.
2. Have plywood or hurricane shutters ready to mount over windows.
3. Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures, and remove any sections of trees that may easily break and fall onto structures.
4. Move lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, garden tools and other yard objects inside.
5. Put together a disaster supplies kit that includes water, food, a first aid kit, a whistle, a dust mask, a flash light, necessary medicines and supplies for your pet including food, dishes and a leash.

At Your Business

1. Check around the facility and roof and remove or move inside anything that could become windblown (e.g., equipment, trashcans).
2. Have plywood or hurricane shutters ready to mount over windows.
3. Test any portable generators ahead of time and make sure there is an adequate fuel supply.
4. Consider shutting down computers, systems and processes to avoid power surge damage.
5. Relocate equipment and storage items away from basements, windows and ground-level doors.
6. Assign a management representative (or two) to monitor the weather conditions and the storm track as well as to be the person(s) to implement your business’s Emergency Response Plan, if necessary.