Hurricane Preparation Tips For RMs

NU Online News Service, Sept. 17, 4:08 p.m.EDT--As Hurricane Isabel races toward the U.S. Easternseaboard, an insurer has put up a list of tips risk managers canuse to prepare their organizations for an onslaught of heavyweather and to minimize its impact.

Their recommendations include being prepared to get as manygoods as possible off the floor or ship them out of the facility,protect and/or relocate vital records, cover computers, machineryand stock with tarpaulins and waterproof covers.

Inspect fire protection equipment such as sprinkler controlvalves and fire pumps, shut down operations that depend on outsidepower sources, following established procedures.

Turn off gas to minimize fire loss, clean out drains and catchbasins, check ground level windows, verify that the sealingmaterial on any sealed windows is intact and water tight. Make suresurface water will run away from the building.

Ensure that those Emergency Response Team members who havevolunteered to stay on site have proper supplies and equipment(drinkable water, non-perishable food, medical supplies,flashlights and walkie-talkies.)

Shut down all non-critical and non-essential equipment.

Liberty Mutual and Wausau Insurance said commercial customerscan report claims 24 hours a day at 1-800-259-2184.