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Home > Resources > Emergency Preparedness > Hurricanes
Hurricanes
Grainger products help you prepare for, respond to and recover from all hazards and daily disruptions, including hurricanes.
In the United States the hurricane season runs from June through November, peaking in mid-August through late October. The damage from hurricanes comes from high winds and flooding. With winds potentially exceeding 155 mph, tornadoes, microbursts and storm surges can cause catastrophic devastation. The impacted areas can extend inland as far as several hundred miles, so the hurricane zone covers a large swath of the United States.
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Preparing for a Hurricane
Testing and communicating a comprehensive emergency plan to your staff will help minimize loss to your business. Technology and diligent tracking by NOAA provides most people enough time to take actions to protect their homes and businesses from impending hurricanes.
FEMA, OSHA, and NIOSH have published recommendations on building preparedness plans and actions to take before and during hurricanes to help mitigate losses. Learn more
Preparation Tips
- Review your emergency plan with employees.
- Store all your vital records offsite.
- Have essential emergency supplies available.
- Make sure hurricane shutters are operable.
- Obtain additional plywood or other needed window protection.
- Secure all movable items and bring loose items inside.
- Prior to evacuation, turn off and unplug all electrical equipment.
Responding After a Hurricane
We cannot control nature, but we can mitigate losses with a prompt, well-planned response. Make sure all employees know your emergency and communication plans so you can confirm their safety and they can respond efficiently and effectively.
Response Tips
- Have a battery- or crank-operated radio handy for information.
- Before returning to the area, wait for notification that it is safe.
- Before entering your building, assess the exterior for structural or utility damage.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Carefully check the electrical system.
- Let all electronic equipment dry before reconnecting.
- Avoid floodwater to prevent injury or illness.
Recovering from a Hurricane
Data from past disasters has shown that 40% of businesses that close after a disaster never reopen; getting back to normal quickly is essential to your business and your employees.
Recovery Tips
- To prevent mold growth, dry out buildings and their contents.
- Restore utilities as soon as possible.
- To prevent illness, disinfect everything that got wet.
- To help your facility better weather the next hurricane, repair and rebuild with a purpose.
- To protect yourself from hazardous materials during clean-up, wear protective clothing.
If you are interested in more customized Business Continuity Planning assistance, contact your Grainger Representative. One of our regional specialists will work with you and your Account Manager.
Quick Tips Technical Resources
Additional Hurricane Resources
- CDC: Hurricane Preparedness & Response
- American Red Cross: Hurricane Safety
Emergency Services
No matter when an emergency strikes, you can count on on Grainger to help.
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The Ready Rating Program provides an easy, actionable framework to help any organization assess their readiness and build and implement response plans.
Ready When the Time Comes, a corporate volunteer program, taps the human resources of corporate America.
