The American South is known for many things, including delicious cuisine, vibrant music, and local hospitality. However, another quintessential part of Southern life is the risk of hurricanes. If you are seeking ways to protect your company from storms, Canal HR is here to provide hurricane safety tips before during and after storms, guaranteeing your safety throughout the year.

Why are Southern Businesses More at Risk of Hurricanes?

Each year, June to November marks hurricane season in the Southern US. But why do hurricanes pose so much risk to the region? As it turns out, the answers are threefold. 

Proximity to Large Bodies of Water

The first reason is due to the South’s geographic location. The southeastern United States falls between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, both of which are known for their high water temperatures. Since the region is bordered by large bodies of water, it is more susceptible to storm surges. Areas like New Orleans, which are close to lakes and rivers, are at additional risk of flooding.

Low-Lying Plains

The second reason why the South is at risk is its topography. Due to the fact that much of the region lies in a low-lying coastal plain—some of it even falling below sea level—it is at risk of flooding following heavy rains, storm surges, and rising sea levels.

Climate Change

In recent years, humans’ excessive production of greenhouse gases has caused the planet’s temperature to rise. More than 90% of this heat has been absorbed into our oceans, increasing the water’s temperature. This phenomenon, in turn, makes hurricanes more powerful, giving them even more destructive power. 

Your Guide to Hurricane Safety Tips Before During and After

How are businesses meant to safeguard against hurricanes? There are steps you can take year-round to protect your business’ employees and property.

Before Hurricanes

The best way to mitigate damage to your business is to plan ahead. Here are some ways to do so:

• Develop a Preparedness Plan: Creating a comprehensive outline of your company’s response to hurricanes will allow you to recover more efficiently. In your plan, designate an emergency coordinator, describe employees’ post-storm responsibilities, and provide instructions for remaining in contact.

• Conduct Hurricane Safety Training: In the South, it’s essential to hold annual hurricane safety training and drills. This will ensure your employees know the protocol for keeping themselves safe.
• Create an Emergency Kit: Keeping a kit in your workplace will allow you to feel safer during crises. Keep flashlights and batteries on hand in case of power outages, as well as standard first aid supplies.
• Outsource Payroll Preparation: Relying on an outside HR company for payroll preparation will ensure that your employees continue getting paid, even if your office shuts down in the midst of a storm. Whether you pay employees through checks or direct deposit, there are payroll solutions for you with Canal HR.

During Hurricanes

If you are in the thick of hurricane season, there are still ways to limit harm to your business. Check out these tips for staying safe from June to November:

• Monitor Hurricane Updates: As hurricanes approach, it is imperative to follow local weather broadcasts. Each morning, check the news near you and inform your coworkers if inclement weather is expected.

• Put Safety Training into Action: If a hurricane or bad weather hits your business while you and your coworkers are still in the workplace, recall your hurricane drills and take action as quickly as possible. Gather in a designated safe area where you will be away from windows and any other glass. Turn off utilities as necessary.
• Maintain Steady Communication: Maintaining open communication throughout a natural disaster will ensure your company is always on the same page. This is especially important with the rise of working from home. Not all employees may be in the office when the hurricane strikes, so they need regular updates on what’s going on in the workplace.

After Hurricanes

Now that the storm is over, it’s time to assess the damages to your business and create a safe environment for your coworkers. Use these tips to do so:

• Assess Damage and Safety: Once the storm has passed, check your property for any damages and safety hazards (such as downed power lines or gas leaks). Invite other coworkers to return to the workplace once operations have been restored and hazards addressed.
• Provide Employee Support: Extend support to all employees after the hurricane is over. They or their families may have been injured or had to evacuate, so lending them compassion in this difficult time will aid in creating a supportive company culture.
• Update Emergency Plans: Conduct a debriefing with your business’ management team. Together, review the preexisting hurricane plans and identify areas for improvement in safety training and crisis management.

Canal HR’s Additional Hurricane Safety Tips Before During and After

There are even more ways to protect your company and employees in the event of a hurricane. Here are several services we offer that reduce hurricane-related concerns.

Risk Management

Canal HR’s risk management services are designed to be accessible to small companies. Our team can aid you in identifying hazard, operational, financial, and strategic risks, as well as propose solutions in approaching the risk. Since hurricanes fall under the hazard risk umbrella, it’s worth investing in risk management.

Workers’ Compensation

Nearly every business in the US is required to invest in workers’ compensation insurance, which is used to provide employees with financial coverage if they get hurt at work. If you or a coworker suffers a workplace injury due to inclement weather, workers’ compensation will cover corresponding medical expenses. Canal HR takes care of your insurance needs while saving you money. 

Employee Benefits

Canal HR also administers employee benefits, including medical insurance, to businesses for an additional layer of protection. Workers’ compensation doesn’t always cover workplace injuries in full, so investing in employee benefits will make your employees feel safer about coming to work. Offering benefits also allows you to retain employees more successfully.

Get in Touch with Canal HR

If you are ready to prepare beyond hurricane safety tips before during and after, it’s time to invest in HR services for your business. Click here to get in touch with us, call us at 504-837-8680, or send us an email. Canal HR looks forward to hearing from you.