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Checklist: A Post-Hurricane Action Plan

After a hurricane, facilities managers have a critical task on their hands: Prepare the property for efficient but safe re-entry so everyone can get back to work. Even if damage is limited, you’ve got to ensure everything is up and running as it was before the storm. 

“Facility managers are the go-to people for everything building-related, from HVAC to the roof to whether the electric is still working,” says Neal Duffy, senior manager of facilities solutions technical training at Staples Facility Solutions. “It’s a huge job; everything is coordinated through them and their staff.” 

Use this checklist as a guide while you assess damage, clean up and improve your plan for the next time disaster strikes.

Keep Safety Top of Mind 

• Walk the perimeter of the building before entering to look for any structural damage that might make going inside unsafe, and proceed with caution. If the structure appears damaged, contact a building inspector or an appropriate government authority to determine whether it is safe to enter. 
• Observe any nearby tree branches that could be dangling and look for downed power lines. 
• Don’t drive through floodwater; it’s often deeper than it looks and could be “hiding” damaging objects. If floodwater touches your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water because it may carry illness-causing bacteria.
• If you find wet electrical equipment that’s still plugged in, turn off the power at the main breaker before touching any equipment. If there’s standing water near the main breaker switch, call an electrician to handle this task. 
• Check your carbon monoxide detectors (make sure yours are battery-operated in case the power is out), and always be alert for potential gas leaks.
• Use flashlights to light your way, never candles. 

• Take extensive notes and photos of any damage for your insurance providers. 
• Determine which vendors or technicians will need to do repair work. 
• Contact insurance agents and schedule repairs as soon as possible. Vendors are likely to be busy after a hurricane. 
• Hire a professional inspector or engineer to assess any safety concerns.