GNYADA November 2015 Newsletter

Fall / Winter Storm Prep Guidelines

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fire department, insurance agent, and building owner easily accessible.

If a storm is coming, move your vehicles to higher ground, if possible.

The official “hurricane season” may be behind us; however, it’s important to note that some of the most damag- ing storms to affect retailers occur as fall transitions into winter. That’s the time of year when heavy winds, rain storms and dropping temperatures are the biggest threats, and can lead to property damage, lost revenue, employee injury and even business closures. The following checklist was prepared with the help of disaster response specialists, Agility Recovery (http://www.agilityrecovery.com/). It shares some key preparedness tips that could save your dealership costly infrastructure damage and business interruptions: Secure a backup generator, in case of loss of power. (And if you already have one, make sure it’s functional.) Check your procedure for restoring electrical services on an item-by-item basis. n n YOUR EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY

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YOUR EMPLOYEES

Establish a procedure for relocat- ing vehicles and supplies.

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Ensure you have an emergency communication plan in place prior to a threatening storm.

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Assure that all roofs are draining properly, so water doesn’t collect and increase the threat of collapse.

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Have all employees, vendors and client contact information on hand.

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Make sure storm windows are effective and operational.

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During evacuation, consider redi- recting your phone lines to cell phones, answering services, etc. Following the storm, notify all critical people of next steps, based on damage. In order to minimize the damage and time it takes to recover from storms this time of year, it is a good idea to develop a plan of action for your business and staff. Take the time now to determine how and where you can continue operations, how you will power your dealership should utilities be cut off, and how you will commu- nicate with employees and customers should the worst occur. n n

Drain all idle pumps and compressors, making sure jackets are vented. Cover your computers and other office equipment (and get them off the floor, if possible). Mark hydrants near your business for ease in locating and clearing after a heavy storm. Keep any hardcopy insurance policies safe from water (or fire) damage.

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Keep names and phone numbers of your heating contractor, plumber,

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AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association • www.gnyada.com

The Newsletter • November 2015 11