Severe Storms Pt. 1: Preparedness – Establishing Your Plan

Thunderstorms, flash floods, blizzards, tornados, ice storms, dust storms, cyclones, and hurricanes are all categorized as severe weather, or severe storms. These storms can occur at any moment, in any location producing hazardous conditions which may include: damaging winds, large hail, excessive rainfall, lightning, freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow. 

Severe storms, specifically hurricanes, are among the most dangerous and destructive storm systems in the world. Each year, the heavy rain, strong winds, floods, and coastal storm surges pose a significant threat to lives and properties. Amidst the unpredictable and destructive weather conditions is the unexpected emotional distress. While enduring these storms, it is beyond difficult to efficiently react to these events.  When it comes to thinking about and preparing for a severe storm, the time is now. 

If conditions are favorable for the development of a severe storm and these conditions are close to the watch area, the National Weather Service will issue a severe storm watch, meaning the severe storm is possible. This meteorological information gives you advanced warning so contingency plans can be executed with enough notice. Once the storm watch turns into a warning, it means that the storm’s conditions are more than a possibility, they are expected.

When a disaster strikes, day-to-day operations stand the risk of a complete shutdown. If you have not already, it is crucial to establish a contingency plan. This plan will be executed when an immediate response is critical, and within moments, an emergency response support team will help quickly mitigate damage and loss. A well-crafted contingency plan will consider past experiences, help reduce the extent of damage, and better prepare you for future scenarios. A customized contingency plan will not only fit your needs and budget, it will reduce downtime and increase productivity, saving your business time and money.

After your contingency plan is developed, rest-assured you will have a team of professionals there to support you with urgent tasks. These tasks can range from initially restoring the power to your facility and bringing your processes back online, to remediation and restoration projects along with equipment readily available to help you address an unexpected situation. 

Although the dates, times, and locations of unexpected severe storms cannot be predicted, it is safe to say that everyone should prepare for their seasons. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 through November 30 and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Before a severe storm strikes, Sunbelt Rentals representatives work intimately with their customers to ensure seamless coordination of equipment deliveries to their location impacted by the storm. If you would like more information on contingency planning or any other storm-related assistance, please reach out to the Sunbelt Rentals team today.

In the next blog of this series, we will discuss the appropriate reaction to a severe storm, and in part three of this series, we will touch on the aftermath of a severe storm, including suggestions for recovery.   
 

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