Post Disaster Priorities

Your Hurricane Survival and Recovery Plan should include a list of the post hurricane priorities of your company. You may find that these priorities change depending on the nature and severity of the hurricane.
You should be flexible and be prepared to change the priorities according to the circumstances.

What types of things should I address in my list of priorities?

Your priorities list should include but not be limited to:

Determine reentry status and requirements.
Communicate with your employees to determine their status, condition and availability.
Communicate with employees as to when to report to work and the best routes to take and safe.
Assess the condition of your facilities. Ensure they are inhabitable and safe.
Determine the status and stability of any hazardous materials stored on site.
Contact your insurance company.
Begin considering implementation of post-hurricane business strategies outlined in the Implementing the Post-Hurricane Business Strategies section of your plan.
Assess the status of essential functions necessary to operate the business.
Communicate your operational status and plans to customers.
Communicate with your vendors and suppliers regarding your operational status and needs.
Photograph or videotape your facilities to document damage and losses to facilitate insurance claims processing.
Maintain a daily log of all actions taken.
Make temporary repairs as permitted by your insurance policy.
Protect salvageable assets and prevent the escalation of damage from rain, rust, corrosion, mildew, mold, etc.
Maintain detailed records of estimates, repairs, invoices, receipts, cancelled checks, etc.
Determine eligibility for FEMA or SBA assistance and file if advantageous.
Advise all employees of assistance programs as you learn of them. Your attention to your employees' personal needs will greatly assist business recovery.

Post-Disaster-Priorities