Severe storm preparation checklist

This severe storm preparation checklist will help you to prepare your business for a severe storm.

Knowing your business has strategies in place to help cope with a natural disaster like a severe storm should make it easier for your business to minimise losses, maintain business continuity and recover quickly.

Read through this severe storm preparation checklist and tick the items you've already done.

Complete the list of actions to ensure your business is as prepared for a severe storm as possible.

You can customise this checklist to include information specific to your business by adding items to the 'Other' section.

General

Update your knowledge on what to do in the event of severe storm and ensured staff are also familiar with this

Business continuity

Develop your business continuity plan

Clearly identify and analyse the possible risks to your business from storm damage

Test and update your plan

Develop regular maintenance and review strategies for your plan

Store a copy of your business continuity plan off-site in a safe, disaster-proof location

Stock and equipment

Keep enough stock on hand to supply your business and customers in the event of severe storm damage

Identify where equipment will be relocated or how it could be protected

Infrastructure

Trim any overhanging tree branches

Clear your property of any loose items that may blow about in extreme weather (e.g. sheet iron or wood)

Clear guttering and downpipes

Insurance

Check whether there is adequate insurance to cover you in the event of a storm

Contact your insurance company to check if there are any specific preparations you need to make prior to the event

Business documentation and records

Locate and pack your critical documentation (e.g. insurance, financial, legal and identification documents) in a portable waterproof container

Back up your critical data to a portable storage device and store it in a secure off-site location