2024 has been a very tumultuous year for weather events. From tornados ripping across the plains of Oklahoma and flash flooding along the Gulf Coast, to 4.5” diameter hail in North Carolina!* It shouldn’t come as a surprise that forecasters are predicting a hurricane season that could be one of the most active on record.
This is due to two factors: El Niño is expected to become La Niña, and ocean temperatures are at record-warm levels. Both of these factors enhance the probability of storms. The tropical meteorology experts at CSU are forecasting 23 named storms, of which 11 will become hurricanes, 5 of which are expected to reach category 3 status or stronger.
As a facility manager, safeguarding the infrastructure of your facility is paramount! Prioritizing facility resilience, when combined with an effective hurricane preparedness plan can minimize damage and accelerate recovery efforts. Without a plan, you may be left scrambling after the storm to fix much-needed emergency repairs. Remember, your local contractors may be slammed with emergencies, so waiting until the last minute is not a viable option.
To help guide you through this process, the team at RoofConnect has offered these five useful tips for creating a hurricane plan for your facility.
Create a Hurricane Plan
1. Risk Assessments
To maximize your facility’s preparedness for hurricane season, it’s important to understand the potential risks and vulnerabilities of your facility. This is especially true for the roof, as it protects everything inside your facility! A risk assessment should address the condition of your roof system, including its structural integrity.
If you’re proactive with your roof maintenance, you may have recently evaluated the condition of your roofing portfolio with annual spring inspections. If you haven’t already done so, that is where your hurricane-preparedness plan should begin.
2. Repair Any Existing Leaks or Damage
Now that you’ve assessed the overall condition of your roof, it’s time to address any potential issues found in the assessment. It is imperative that any damage that may allow water into your facility be repaired before the threat of a hurricane or other severe storms arrives.
This is a good time to clean your roof as well. The strong winds generated in a hurricane or severe storm can turn loose debris into flying projectiles that can cause damage to your roof and property in its vicinity. Lastly, ensure that all drains and scuppers are clear of debris to prevent water accumulation on the roof.
3. Secure Equipment on the Roof
Take time to check all rooftop equipment, such as HVAC units and solar panel arrays, are securely attached to the roof. Hurricanes regularly produce wind speeds over 100 miles per hour and can turn loose equipment into flying debris, leading to very costly repairs.
4. Trim Trees Near Your Facility
Consider the threat surrounding trees can pose to your facility in a hurricane or severe storm. Take a walk around your facility and make note of the trees surrounding your facility. You’ll want to trim any dead, broken, or oversized branches that can easily break off in a powerful storm and cause potential damage.
5. Work with a Trusted Professional
By leveraging the expertise of a trusted roofing contractor, you can significantly enhance your facility’s hurricane preparedness, ensuring the roof is secure and that any damage is swiftly and effectively addressed.
Working with a contractor who can provide detailed reports and documentation of the roof’s condition pre-hurricane is important. This is valuable for insurance claims and assessing post-storm damage. If you have worked with them before, they should have a record of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs performed, providing a better understanding of the overall health of your roof. Work together to create a plan for post-hurricane emergency repairs, this will help mitigate further damage and get up and running as soon as possible.
The professionals at RoofConnect are ready to handle your emergency repairs and is available to answer questions and guide you through creating your plan for hurricane preparedness. RoofConnect has a vast network of local contractors within your region that will be standing by after the storm has passed, ready to assist with any needed emergency repairs. Contact RoofConnect today!
Call: (870) 942 -5613
Web: www.roofconnect.com
*National Center for Environmental Information – April 2024 National Climate Report