As hurricane season quickly approaches, storms are already starting to form out in the Atlantic Ocean.
If you remember, 2020 was not a normal year… really for anything… but definitely when it came to hurricanes. In fact, it was record-breaking!
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2020 season produced 30 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 13 became hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or greater), including six major hurricanes (top winds of 111 mph or greater). It was a year with the most storms on record, surpassing the 28 from 2005, and the second-highest number of hurricanes on record.
2020 was the fifth consecutive year with an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season and 2021 looks to be a highly active season as well.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has predicted another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, but luckily, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.
That is good news for many families and businesses, however, you should still start preparing now for when the forces of nature start barreling down on your business.
Be Prepared Before Winds Pick Up
Hurricane season begins on June 1 – that’s just around the corner. If you aren’t already ready, you need to start preparing now.
Knowing what to do before a hurricane and making sure the right people are in charge of those tasks can be a struggle.
Flagship has composed a Hurricane Season Preparation Checklist to help you get ready for this active hurricane season and keep everyone safe.
Keep Areas Healthy
As tired as most people are of COVID-19, the virus is still active and may present a risk to the occupants of your facility. As you prepare for the upcoming season, remember to take into consideration the advanced health and safety methods around your facility.
Do a full review of your Hurricane Preparation materials and make sure everything is in working order and updated. Many businesses shuttered or at least partially shuttered in 2020 and your materials may not have been tested in at least a year or more. Also, make sure to include additional masks and cleaning materials as well as extra PPE and air purifiers in your Hurricane Preparation Box. You can use the Hurricane Season Preparation Checklist to make sure you’ve done a complete review.
Establish a Lifeline
Many facilities teams are already stretched thin. The extra processes and procedures that have been implemented to reduce COVID-19 virus spread and deferred maintenance programs have put a lot of extra work on already strained teams.
A force multiplier can be your lifeline to assist your current team and provide the skills and additional people you need at your site.
Flagship has the infrastructure designed to support both as-needed staffing for project work and full-time FM staff. Services and solutions can be available at your facility, whatever your needs:
- maintenance techs
- skilled tradespeople
- janitorial and disinfection professionals
- hard service and engineering support
- soft services support – like reception, mail and shipping support, conference room and meeting support)
As we ramp up for the active hurricane season of 2021, preparation time is running out. Great partners like Flagship can help you prepare like a pro . . . and can be that “force multiplier” that adapts with you, offers you guidance, brings expertise, and ensures your workplace runs smoothly every day.
Flagship's customizable approach to your facility's needs will help you protect the health and safety of your occupants so you can operate safely and responsibly.
We have experienced and professional teams ready to help your business with your safety requirements and your integrated facilities management needs. If you have any questions, please email a facilities expert and get the help you need to create and maintain a healthy facility in this "new normal".
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