Now Is the Time to Prepare — It Only Takes One
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30 each year. Although the peak of the season is usually during August – October, preparation is strongly advised at all times no matter how many storms are forecast.
How to Prepare Your Church and School
At the start of every hurricane season, review any existing emergency response plans you have developed. These plans should generally include:
- Up-to-date contact information of employees, local emergency agencies, Diocesan Office of Risk Management and other Chancery contacts
- An emergency response team who will perform specific tasks in order to prepare for an event
- Communication procedures, cell phone numbers and e-mail address for all personnel critical to an emergency response
- A list of needed items and materials
In order to prepare a specific property or structure for a hurricane, keep in mind that buildings located next to open terrain where the wind can blow unobstructed — such as near fields, large bodies of water and parking lots — are likely to be damaged when the wind strikes with full force. Some tips for protecting your property in the case of a hurricane include the following:
Secure Your “Building Envelope”
The roof covering and building envelope are your first line of defense. Check the roof drains to ensure they are not clogged with debris and water can flow properly. The roof covering should be in good condition and free from blisters and other signs of physical damage. Also, the roof flashing should be tightly secured at the edge of the roof where the roof and building walls meet. Note: Unreinforced parapets (protective walls), decorative facades and unsecured mechanical equipment can blow over and damage the rooftop. Be sure to close and latch exterior doors and windows, and brace large doors.
Protect Against Wind-Borne Debris
Glass wall panels and plate glass windows are vulnerable to damage by wind-borne debris and the direct force of the wind. Before the storm, remove outdoor furniture, trash cans and other lightweight objects that could become wind-borne missiles. Indoors, relocate equipment away from windows or cover it with waterproof tarps.
In offices, remove items from windowsills and place papers and files in cabinets or other waterproof containers. Outside trailers should be tied down to the ground or building to prevent movement.
Prepare Equipment and Utilities
An orderly shutdown of equipment and utilities should be implemented. If deemed necessary, you may want to shut down critical utilities, such as natural gas and electrical systems, to prevent possible sources of ignition. Simply turning a piece of equipment to the off position may not be recommended until other steps are taken first.
Install flood panels and secure flood doors at least 24 hours before landfall is expected.
Back-up electrical equipment, such as uninterruptable power supplies (UPS systems) and generators, as well as sump pumps and other water removal systems, should be tested to ensure proper operation. Since it may be several days before the building can be occupied, make sure all fire protection equipment is in ready and working condition. Since electric power will probably not be available, ensure all fuel-fired equipment tanks are full.
Once the hurricane warning is issued, it’s time to finalize all preparations as it may quickly become too dangerous to finish all the items you want to complete.
Post-Storm Assessment
Once the storm has passed, secure the facility and survey for damage, taking pictures or video. Review and document any damage to both the exterior and interior of buildings and their contents. Report all damage to the Diocesan Office of Risk Management. Contact Joe Cahill, 732-284-1600 (cell) or Joe Bianchi, 732-267-0381 (cell) for assistance.
Assume that all downed power lines are fully energized under all circumstances and avoid them. Before utilities are returned to service, check for gas leaks, look for electrical system damage, and check for sewage and water line damage.
Workers walking through areas covered with glass and other debris should wear proper personal protective equipment, such as steel-toed work boots, thick gloves, eye protection, dust masks and other safety equipment.
Should you need to shut down a fire sprinkler system during restoration, follow the proper impairment procedures and notify the alarm company if alarm systems are placed in standby mode. Follow proper permit procedure for any hot work that you may need to perform. Hot work includes the use of any flame or heat-producing device used for welding, brazing, grinding and soldering.
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