AM Facility Solutions (AMFS) has always been dedicated to providing top-quality service to our clients. As we approach the upcoming hurricane season, our goal is to ensure South Florida’s homes are fully prepared to serve as safe shelters during potential storms.
For the year 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts:
17–25 named storms
8–13 hurricanes
4–7 major hurricanes in the Atlantic Coast
In light of these predictions, AMFS remains committed to delivering hands-on service to clients both near and far. To support this commitment, we present our top 10 Comprehensive Preventive Maintenance Guide for Hurricane Season:
1. Review your Insurance Policy
Knowing what specific parts of your establishment are covered by your insurance is
imperative. Damages to the detached structures such as your garage, greenhouse, shed,
gazebos, and the like should be covered as these structures will be greatly impacted by
hurricanes. You would want to be assured that your insurance covers repairs and/or
rebuild. And to further protect yourself and your people, you may want to delve into
liability insurance coverage, if any.
2. Look Up!
We suggest literally look at the components above you as it is what constitutes a shelter. Your roof is your first line of defense.
● Make sure that roof shingles are sealed and replace loose ones;
● Remove or replace roof flashing as necessary especially if it is leaking. This
makes sure that water doesn’t leak inside your facility especially if you have
skylights;
● Secure soffits by installing stainless screws through the fascia and apply
polyurethane sealant over the screws for maximum security. For best results, let
PUR sealant dry for 72 hours;
● Remove debris from your gutters;
● Extend downspouts to divert the stream of water.
3. Install Water Diverters
Water diverters capture leaks from water and redirect the drip. This temporarily helps to prevent water damage and electricity shortages. Water diverters are designed for facilities with open ceilings or exposed structure ceiling like that of a warehouse.
4. Strengthen Your Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the most vulnerable part of a facility since they provide the
largest opening. It is important that these two components are as resistant as the other parts of your building. Hurricane-rated windows and industrial impact doors have high density and can withstand high velocity winds.
5. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Check all crucial spots of the exterior and interior parts of your establishment that may provide an opening for leaks such as around the window and door frames, vents, pipes, electrical facilities, etc. Keep the water out of your premises.
6. Look Around
Regular inspections to your building envelope can identify and resolve issues before they can result in bigger problems caused by the hurricane.
● Bolt down hazardous objects outside to prevent further damages to you and
anything or anyone around you. Secure signages and furniture that can be taken
away by high winds. Maintain the integrity of bolts and screws around your
facility all throughout the year;
● Trim trees or cut down anything that can block passages and cause massive
destruction. Make sure to also look out for dead trees adjacent to your building;
● Remove any debris that poses a potential threat.
7. Inspect System Installments
Repairing possible weak points is one way to maintain the integrity of your structure.
However we need to understand that proper installation is crucial as fixtures are only as good as the quality of the installation. Ensure proper maintenance and service for you emergency systems such:
● Fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, pumps, suppression systems, hydrants
● Backflow preventers
● Emergency lighting
● Elevator monitoring
● Access control
● Intrusion systems, etc.
8. Secure Powerlines
Keep uninterruptible power supply like batteries, generators, and emergency lighting
handy. It is also advisable to unplug all unnecessary electrical devices and shut down non-critical building systems. If possible, consider a remote work setup for employee safety or establish a secondary location where operations can be managed remotely.
9. Organize Facility Inventory
Make sure to keep track of the services provided in your business as well. This includes a list of overall maintenance done, surveys that were conducted, and reparations.
Additionally we suggest to:
● Update facility inventory software or systems
● Relocate important files to the safest parts of the building or allocate a space for
these documents as soon as a hurricane watch is announced
● Take photos or document crucial details
● Back up computer data regularly
● Make sure other departments of the business, such as CSR, HR, and payroll, have
access to cloud-based systems in case of remote work set-up
10. Establish An Evacuation Plan
Coordinate with your entire team to delegate tasks effectively. This approach ensures that multiple concerns or issues are prevented and addressed in a timely manner. Clearly communicate processes and procedures to key employees for rapid dissemination of information on how and where to evacuate.
Document evacuation route details in emails and post physical copies, such as posters, throughout the facility to ensure everyone has access in case of a power outage. Additionally, make sure everyone understands their roles and assigned duties.
Hurricane preparedness guides are essential for businesses to enhance their chances of preventing damage caused by storms and hurricanes. By implementing protective measures and taking mindful actions, you can safeguard not only yourself but also those around you.
AM Facility Solutions is here to help seamlessly put these preventive maintenance steps into action.
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