Cooperative Living May 2021 - 35

FarmLife | by Kathy Dixon, Contributing Writer
PREPARE NOW
A Potentially Busy
Hurricane Season
Taking proactive steps can save time,
money and labor later
I
cy temperatures may be in the rearview mirror, but it's
time to look ahead and prepare for summer storms.
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will run from
June 1 through Nov. 30, and you can accomplish tasks
now to prepare your home or business.
" Proactive preparation for summer storms is well worth
the effort, " says Sam Rooks, vice president of underwriting
and policy services for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual
Insurance Co. " Once a storm watch or warning has been
issued, you may not have time to prepare for the storm,
so it's best to do it in advance. "
The mutual insurance
company offers tips at
its online resource. Go to
vafb.com and search for
" Virginia Hurricane
Preparedness Central. "
Hurricanes often generate rainfall that can cause severe
flooding over wide areas, as well as spawn tornadoes, and
severely affect areas well inland. Before a storm is imminent,
plan a safe evacuation route out of its path. Review and
become familiar with the plan well in advance with your
family, friends and co-workers.
In addition to hurricanes, one should also prepare for
tropical depressions and storms. While less severe, each carries
a risk of flooding, which could lead to structural damages.
Use these hurricane preparation tips from the Insurance
Institute for Business &Home Safety.
HOME PREP
* Shutters: Install the hardware needed to put up shutters or
pre-cut plywood to protect windows and doors now. This
will allow for easier installation if your area is threatened
by a storm.
* Trees: Now is a good time to cut weak branches, along
with branches that are positioned over structures and
could cause property damage if they break in high winds.
* Seals: Check the caulk around windows and doors,
ensuring that it is not cracked, broken or missing. Fill any
holes or gaps around pipes or wires that enter the building.
* Roof: Inspect the roof and overhang to look for signs of
wear or damage. Have the roof inspected to make sure the
roof sheathing is well-connected.
co-opliving.com
* Attached structures: Inspect porches, carports, entryway
canopies and storage sheds to ensure they are firmly
attached and in sound structural condition.
* Sump pumps and drains: Inspect sump pumps and
drains to ensure proper operation. If the sump pump has
a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh or
replaced.
* Generators: Prepare and test your generator well before
a storm strikes.
BUSINESS PREP
* Have your building inspected and complete any
maintenance needed to ensure the building can withstand
severe weather.
* Designate an employee to monitor weather reports and
alert your team to potential severe weather.
* Review and update your business continuity plan, along
with employee contact information.
* Remind employees of key elements of the plan, including
post-event communication procedures and work/payroll
procedures.
* Test backup power options, such as a generator, and
establish proper contracts with fuel suppliers for
emergency fuel deliveries.
* Inspect and replenish your inventory of emergency
supplies.
* Test all life-safety equipment.
* Conduct training exercises for both business continuity
and emergency preparedness/response plans.
During a hurricane, the failure of any opening can allow
wind and water to enter a building and cause extensive
damage.
The only effective window protection is one that is
utilized, so remember to make use of shutters, panels and
plywood and completely close all windows and doors. 
Kathy Dixon is online and publications managing editor
at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
For more information, visit vafb.com and searchfor
" Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Central " or visit
disastersafety.org/hurricane.
May 2021 | Cooperative Living | 33
http://www.vafb.com http://www.vafb.com http://www.disastersafety.org/hurricane http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2021

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