Storms bring costly power outages and flooding to businesses across the country. Flooding is an especially common side effect of these heavy rains. The Department of Homeland Security says that 90% of natural disasters in the US involve flooding. Do you have the right equipment in place to keep operations flowing in the event of a storm or natural disaster? Let’s look at ways you can get ahead of the inevitable.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The first step in storm preparedness is to be aware of your level of risk. Answering these questions will raise awareness of your surroundings and help you formulate a plan:
1.Is my business located in a flood zone?
2.Will water pool or remain stagnant in a specific area?
3.Is there higher ground nearby?
4.If a closure is eminent, what immediate and long-term impact will that have on staff, customers, and the business?
5.What would/could remain operational during a power outage or flood?
Choose the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment on hand can help mitigate the damage caused by natural disasters. First, determine whether products and equipment need to be elevated to prevent water damage if your facility floods. Lifting items three feet off the ground is a general recommendation. If your facility has platforms or mezzanines, they can serve as temporary storage. If not, consider how these tools could be implemented to help you get ahead of damage.
The next step is to choose equipment that withstands floods. At the loading dock, proper seals and shelters can assist in redirecting rain and debris away from the dock door. If your dock is prone to flooding, a secondary unloading station may prove to be beneficial. Platforms and yard ramps allow you to relocate your loading station at a moment’s notice. You should also utilize vehicle restraints with a battery backup feature that would allow you to release a trailer during a power outage to avoid costly downtime.
Lastly, prepare for the worst. If water does come into your warehouse, have a strategy in place. Look for ways that you can utilize fans to dry floors or walls, in the event of a flood. This is just one example of how having the right equipment can help you be prepared in the event of a summer storm or natural disaster.
An evaluation of the facility and the right equipment can protect your business from costly damage, loss in productivity or closure, while keeping your staff safe. Formulate your storm strategy now so your warehouse can survive this coming storm season. If you need help finding the right equipment, IWS can help. Contact us today.
