by Brianna Crandall — October 29, 2012—As Hurricane Sandy hits the Eastern Seaboard, FMLink has compiled a list of resources available for facilities managers as they prepare to weather the storm, from details on Hurricane Sandy to general emergency preparedness information to specific ways that businesses and facilities can prepare.
To follow the progress of Hurricane Sandy, the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center features all of the latest weather data and forecast updates as well as detailed maps and other resources such as an explanation of Hurricane Hazards and Tropical Cyclones: A Preparedness Guide . Google.org Crisis Response has also prepared a Crisis Map page that includes a map of the current position of the storm as well as links to more detailed weather information, emergency shelters, hurricane evacuation routes, traffic conditions and more.
Ready.gov, supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the federal government’s go-to resource for general emergency preparation guidelines as well as specific disaster news. The site offers a page specific to preparing for Hurricanes as well as Floods. FEMA’s Hurricanes blog also gives frequent updates about the progress of the storm. Other federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offer information on preparing for Hurricanes, Flooding, Snow and Ice, and other Natural Disasters, as well as Power Outages (CDC).
As to resources specific to emergency preparedness for businesses and facilities, visit these government and other organization sites, many of which are available in various languages:
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hurricane Preparedness
- OSHA’s Flood Preparedness
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Emergency Response Resources: Emergency Preparedness for Business/Management Planning Guides
- Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Internationals Emergency Preparedness Guidebook
- International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Preparedness—Are You Ready for the Next Disaster?
- Facility Management Journal (FMJ) article: Weathering The Storm
- Disaster Recovery Journal’s Hurricane Preparation for Businesses: 10 Steps That Businesses Should Take Before the Wind Blows
- U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Emergency Preparedness
Stay safe!
