Last week, Tropical Storm Cindy reminded all of the Gulf Coast that Hurricane Season has begun! Houston made it through the storm with only some rain, a few clouds, and a windy day. However, it was a good notice that we should all be aware and prepared during this time. According to The Weather Channel, the 2017 Hurricane Season (which runs from June 1st to November 30th) will be busier than usual^[1]. With that in mind, we have provided you with some tips to help you stay safe this summer and fall. Both employers and employees should stay alert, devise a plan, and communicate issues and concerns of safety to one another.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Have you ever left your car window down overnight and discovered wet seats in the morning? Or have you accidentally gone to work in a sweater on a 90 degree day? Rain or shine, the weather affects our lives and our decisions daily. You don’t want to be caught off guard by storm you didn’t know existed. Rather than relying on that information to fall in your lap, you should be proactive. Find a your go-to weather source, check it every few days to see if anything has come up. You can find websites and Facebook sites devoted solely to this purpose. Stay in the know so you, your family and your company can always be prepared.

Devise a Plan

Additionally, you want to have a plan. Discuss what categories of storms you will evacuate for and which you will not. You and your family should have a couple of planned routes to safety with which you are comfortable. The same rules apply to your company. For example, if your city is prone to flooding like Houston, keep an eye on the road closures and let your team know whether or not it is safe for them to come to work. By keeping up with weather news, you can have enough time to notify your family and your team of the plan for a possible evacuation or closure.

Be Prepared When You Stay

It is always best to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Throughout Hurricane Season, you should keep essentials on hand, like bottled water and batteries. Also, make sure your flashlights and radios are in working condition. As a major storm approaches, it is a good idea to get food items like bread and canned meat, just in case. It is also recommended that you fill your prescription medications, as well as your gas tank. And it never hurts to have some cash on hand; power surges may cause problems for credit card machines.

Know Your Area

Keep in mind where your home and office are located, and how it can be affected by the weather. If you know that your area floods when it rains heavily outside of Hurricane Season, then you want to factor that into your preparations. Even the outskirts a tropical storm can cause nasty weather and a lot of rain.

These are just a few tips to get you started. These suggestions are in no way comprehensive, and you can easily find checklists on the web better suited to your family and situation. Just remember, don’t be discouraged by prepping for a storm that never comes. It is always better to be prepared than taking a chance that could cost you and your family greatly.

[1] 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Expect It to Be Busier Than Usual