Tips and checklists to be hurricane ready

Neenah, Wis.--Both Jewelers Mutual and Jewelers Unblocked have released hurricane preparedness guides, tips and other emergency-related checklists for jewelers as the stormy season begins.

s Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides jewelers with information including when to close a store and evacuate, what emergency documents and equipment to have on-hand, and how to store and back up data and records.

The guide also covers the dos and don’ts of before and after the storm, as well as tips for preparing and protecting a store or building and jewelry inventory.

In addition, Jewelers Mutual has created a business continuity plan and checklist, including emergency payroll, communication with customers and a management succession plan, and an emergency planning guide checklist t miss important steps.

Jewelers Unblocked also has put together tips on how jewelers can prepare their business for a hurricane, as well as actions to take prior to and during the disaster.

In preparing for a hurricane, Jewelers Unblocked says business owners should do the following.
--Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website for comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness.
--Research the area, assess the risks and know the store’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
--Know the hurricane risks, including the difference between a hurricane watch, which indicates that a hurricane is possible within 36 hours, and a hurricane warning, which means that a hurricane is expected in 24 hours.

Jewelers also should put the following actions in place prior to a hurricane.
--Put together a basic disaster supply kit and set it in a “grab-and-go” location.
--Disaster kit contents should include water, food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, whistle, garbage bags, can opener, local maps and cell phone with chargers or solar charger.
--Be prepared to shelter at the store for at least 24 hours.
--Make sure the store has an evacuation plan that is regularly practiced.
--Look at the heating, air conditioning and air ventilation systems to ensure they are secure and working properly, and be sure all employees know how to turn it off, if necessary.
--Local officials might require mandatory evacuations in some situations and advised evacuations in others. Consider protection options to evaluate whether or not to evacuate in non-mandatory situations; options for protection can be found here.