20 Tips for Preparing Your Restaurant for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is always coming sooner than you think. Don't procrastinate—preparation is key! If you plan ahead, your restaurant will be much better off if a hurricane hits.

Given that many of our clients are business owners, hurricane season is always on our minds. We have put together a list of things you should do at the beginning of every hurricane season, plus things to do if a storm is approaching your area.

At the Beginning of Hurricane Season

1. Check your insurance policies and make sure they are up to date and accurate.
2. Take updated photos of your restaurant and a complete inventory of the business. Include everything; every room/area, every piece of equipment, furniture, electronics, food and other inventory.
3. Establish an emergency team. Pick employees to act as leaders and contact points in case a storm hits your area.
4. If you have a generator, make sure it is in proper working order. We do not recommend buying gas at the beginning of every hurricane season because, like food, gas can go bad!
5. Create an emergency plan and review it every year. Inform all workers of the emergency plan. Create a checklist on how to prepare before an emergency situation.
6. Make sure you have up-to-date contact information for all of your employees. Create a phone tree and establish calling protocols.
7. If you aren't already, utilize a communications platform that only your employees can access. There are free options out there like Slack or even Facebook that can be configured to allow only employee users. This is an excellent way to notify the entire team about emergency information.
8. Compile a list of helpful numbers like a trusted roofer, tree service, electrician, restoration company, handyman, etc. If a storm hits, you won't be the only business that needs these trades. Be the first to call for help when needed, and you'll be that much higher on their list of priorities.

If a Storm is Approaching

1. Bring all outside furniture inside.
2. Unplug all appliances and electronics.
3. Turn off the water main.
4. Elevate items that can be damaged by water off the floor—at least 18 inches, but as high as 3 feet if possible.
5. Cover wood surfaces or other items susceptible to water damage with a tarp.
6. Remove critical business records and valuables.
7. Save important business data on USB drives. Put it in a Ziploc bag and store it in two locations. Maybe at home and with a trusted employee. The chances of it being destroyed at two locations is less likely than if you only store it at one location.
8. Empty ice bins and ice machines.
9. Reduce food supplies. If you find yourself in need of evacuation or the power goes out, consider donating food to the local fire department, shelters and emergency facilities.
10. Place small appliances, computers, etc. in plastic garbage bags. If the roof leaks, these items will be less likely to sustain damages if they are properly protected.
11. If you have a generator, buy gas and store it properly in a well-ventilated area.
12. Make sure gutters are unobstructed and are flowing away from the building.

About the Author: Virginia MacKoul
Virginia MacKoul oversees marketing and branding activity for Gainesville, Florida-based Avison Young (previously Front Street). She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a degree in Sustainability and the Built Environment, minoring in Urban Regional Planning. Virginia joined the Front Street team in 2011.