What should you do to prepare your business for hurricane season? Here are things to know
Hurricane season officially begins Wednesday — there's already been some early activity in the Gulf of Mexico — and it's time for Lafayette businesses to start preparing for potential storms.
It's expected to be an above-average season, and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority says it's imperative for businesses to get ready .
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“Communities in South Louisiana are known for our resiliency following storms and natural disasters," said LEDA President and CEO Mandi D. Mitchell said in a release. "You can increase your business’ chance of success following a natural disaster by developing a Disaster Preparedness Plan now. Having a plan will provide for the safety of your employees and customers, protect important business assets, and help your business resume operations more expediently in the aftermath of a storm.
"When individual businesses are able to continue operations, it improves the community’s ability to recover," Mitchell said.
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Here's some advice LEDA is offering ahead of the hurricane season:
Know what types of emergencies might impact your area
Assess how your business functions internally and externally
Know that your employees and co-workers are the business' most important and valuable asset
Think about the basics of survival first: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth
Shelter-in-place or evacuate; plan for both possibilities
Fire is the most common of all business disasters
Include people from all levels in emergency planning
Practice emergency plans
Encourage employees and their families to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed
Detail how you will be in contact with employees, customers and others during and after a disaster
Know that people who have experienced a disaster may have special recovery needs
Meet with your insurance provider to review current coverage
Prepare for extended utility outages during and after a disaster
Take steps to secure physical assets like facilities, buildings and plants
Conduct a room-by-room walk-through to determine what needs to be secured
Assess the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality
Protect your data and IT systems
More information can be found at GetAGamePlan.org. LEDA is also maintaining a hurricane resources webpage throughout the season at lafayette.org/hurricane.
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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LEDA offers tips for Lafayette businesses as hurricane season begins