Florida Hurricane Guide for Business

HURRICANE GUIDEF L O R I D A D E P A R T M E N T O F B U S I N E S S & P R O F E S S I O N A L R E G U L A T I O N

PREPAREDNESS | RECOVERY | RESILIENCY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

The Atlantic Hurricane Season

BEFORE THE STORM 2

Prepare your business

AFTER THE STORM 3

Rebuild and protect your business

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY RECOVER 6

How to serve your community after disaster strikes

DBPR RESOURCES 7

DBPR support for Floridians, including licensees

8STATE OF FLORIDA & NATIONAL RESOURCES

Websites and Hotlines

9ABOUT DBPR

Contact us

FLORIDA'S ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and other natural disasters. The Atlantic Hurricane Season occurs each year from June 1 to November 30, with the historical peak of the season beginning in September. While families are preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes by purchasing gallons of water, filling up gas tanks and going over emergency plans, Floridians are also encouraged to prepare their businesses. This guide provided by the Florida Department of Business and Professional

Regulation (DBPR) offers resources, tips and contact information for how to prepare your

business before a hurricane, actions to take during a storm and how to rebuild and protect your business after one strikes. Preparedness is your business.

NATURAL DISASTER BUSINESS IMPACT IMMEDIATE ONE YEAR LATER THREE YEARS LATER 40% 25% 75%

OF SMALL BUSINESSES MORE SMALL OF BUSINESSES WITHOUT WON'T REOPEN BUSINESSES WILL CLOSE A PLAN WILL FAIL

2014 data from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Department of Labor

Don't become a statistic. Protect your business by developing a business disaster plan.

Develop a Plan of Action for Increase Reliability by proving

handling disruptions that is shared your organization's ability to with employees & practiced mitigate all hazard conditions. through exercises.

Minimize Impact to Essential Protect Market Share & Minimize Operations, increasing Financial Losses by proactively

planning & accounting for recoveryopportunity to continue to operate. resources before they are needed.

Protect Data & Information to Gain Industry Recognition by

ensure decisions can continue to promoting preparedness with be made for organization recovery. suppliers & clients.

PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS

The best time to prepare your business for hurricane season is before hurricane season even begins. When making preparedness plans, remember this checklist:

PROTECT STAFF

Develop Business Continuity and Crisis Communications plans to share with your team Develop an employee sheltering/evacuation plan & keep an emergency supply kit on the premises Conduct an employee training session & hurricane drill Purchase an NOAA weather radio to stay up-to-date on weather alerts in your area

PROTECT PROPERTY

Review insurance coverage, including flood insurance Invest in & install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows & doors from wind-borne debris Reinforce signs to withstand windspeeds or remove prior to the storm Have the roof of your building evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall & cause damage Anchor & brace any large furniture (bookcases, shelves, filing cabinets) to wall studs Establish a method for safeguarding chemicals

PROTECT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION

Back up documents that are not easily produced such as insurance documents, legal contracts, tax returns & accounting statements to avoid water damage Seal important documents in waterproof containers on-site Save all designated contacts & documents in an alternate, accessible off-site location

REBUILD & PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

The road to recovery can be difficult, but DBPR is here to help you rebuild your business and become more resilient in the face of future disasters.

FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants (DHR) urges all food service establishments to take special measures during power or water outages and other emergency situations. Key tips for keeping food safe in areas impacted by disasters: Keep hands, food & equipment clean Keep foods at safe temperatures

Separate raw & cooked food Use only safe water & food Monitor boil water notices issued byCook foods thoroughly your local County Health Department Food poses the greatest threat of causing a foodborne illness if it has warmed due to lack of refrigeration or has been contaminated by floodwater, storm debris or other pollutants. If your establishment was exposed to contamination, clean and sanitize all equipment and food-contact surfaces with potable or boiled water. Do not operate until the entire establishment has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized or disinfected. And when it comes to food, remember: WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

REBUILD & PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

Don't become the victim of an unlicensed activity scam. Businesses can be most vulnerable after a storm, and unfortunately, this is when criminals strike. However, DBPR is here to help you verify a licensed contractor, teach you how to report unlicensed activity and share which services require a state license.

DO'S & DON'TS OF KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE FROM FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY

DO: DON'T:

Before hiring a contractor, ask to see their state-issued license, not just an Hire the fastest & cheapest contractor occupational license Verify the license number with DBPR & check for any complaints before signing a Fall for high-pressured sales tactics contract by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, using the DBPR Mobile App, or by calling (850) 487-1395 Report all unlicensed activity by calling DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Program Accept work from contractors who are hotline at +1 (866) 532-1440, emailing soliciting door to door

ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com, or using

the DBPR Mobile App Get everything in writing & never pay cash Hire a contractor requesting cash onlyin full until work has been completed Forget to check with your local buildingContact your insurance agent before hiring department for additional info abouta contractor to ensure your insurance policy requirements for supplementary permitswill cover your repairs & licenses

SERVICES THAT REQUIRE A STATE LICENSE

Roof repairs -- New window Electrical repairs Plumbing repairsnew & replacement installation or rewiring

SERVICES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A STATE LICENSE

Trimming or Removing Placing tarps on Storm shutter removing fallen trees debris roofs installation

GENERATOR USAGE DURING AND AFTER A STORM

Using a generator in the aftermath of a disaster can be a useful tool to keep power on until power lines are restored, but generators must be used safely. Improper generator use can result in deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or fires. Always follow the directions supplied with your generator.

USE GENERATORS SAFELY

To avoid electrocution, keep your generator dry and do not use it in rain or wet conditions. Keep it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch a generator with wet hands. Remember to turn your generator off before refueling and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the generator's label. Plug appliances directly into your generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the total of the connected appliance loads.

PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) POISONING

Never use a generator indoors. Keep running generators at least 20 feet away from your building and downwind from all windows, garages, vents and doors. Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your business to provide early warning of any buildup of carbon monoxide. Test the batteries at least every six months and replace as needed. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup. CO cannot be seen or smelled, and it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately and call 911.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY IN THE AFTERMATH OF A DISASTER

The reopening of local businesses is one of the most important parts of a community's recovery after a disaster--not only to rebuild the local economy, but also to provide community services to impacted residents. Identify and build local relationships before a storm to create a service component in your Business Continuity Plan.

CONNECT WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Contact your local emergency management office during your disaster planning to learn how your business may provide service(s) before and after a disaster strikes. Include this information in your Business Continuity Plan.

PROVIDE VOLUNTARY FOOD SERVICES

Providing a sanitary kitchen for emergency responders, volunteers or community members to prepare or receive meals following a disaster is essential for rebuilding your community.

STORE DISASTER RELIEF ITEMS

If your business is open after a disaster, you could become a distributor or storage warehouse for Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), water bottles and other essential items. Providing a place for supplies to be stored locally allows volunteer organizations to readily distribute them throughout affected areas.

PROVIDE CHARGING STATIONS

If your business has electricity after the disaster, your business location can become a volunteer charging station. Provide a safe, secure place for emergency responders, volunteers and community members to charge their cell phones, power wheelchairs and battery-powered tools.

DBPR STANDS READY TO SUPPORT IMPACTED FLORIDIANS

Each state agency plays an integral role in the event of a declared State of Emergency, and DBPR stands ready to support impacted Floridians and protect consumers from unlicensed activity and other scams that can hurt the disaster recovery process.

THE FLORIDA DISASTER CONTRACTORS NETWORK (DCN)

DBPR is a founding partner of the Florida Disaster Contractors Network, a contractor- verified clearinghouse to connect individuals with building professionals to address storm- related construction and repairs. Once homeowners and business owners are safely able to assess their home and business repair needs, they are encouraged to visit DCNOnline.org and search by county for a list of Florida-licensed contractors providing these services in their local community.

REPORT SUSPECTED UNLICENSED ACTIVITY

Report all unlicensed activity by contacting DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Program: Email Us: ULA@MyFloridaLicense.comFile a Complaint: MyFloridaLicense.com File a Complaint: DBPR Mobile App Call the Hotline: (866) 532-1440

THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS HERE TO HELP

The State of Florida is committed to helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: MyFloridaLicense.com Florida Division of Emergency Management - Make a Plan: FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare Statewide Emergency Information During a Disaster: FloridaDisaster.org/Info Florida Department of Economic Opportunity - Business Disaster Resources: FloridaDisaster.Biz Florida Department of Transportation - Port Closures: FDOT.gov/seaport Florida 511 Traffic & Commuter Information: FL511.com Florida Health - Boil Water Notices: FloridaHealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices Florida Mental Health Resources: HopeForHealingFL.com Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA.gov Better Business Bureau - Hurricane Resources: bbb.org/hurricane U.S. Small Business Administration - Disaster Loan Assistance: DisasterLoanAssistance.SBA.gov Ready.gov: Ready.gov

HOTLINES

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency: 911 DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Hotline: (866) 532-1440 Florida Attorney General Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226 Department of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline: +1 (800) 22STORM | +1 (800) 227-8676 Department of Elder Affairs - Elder Helpline: +1 (800) 96ELDER | +1 (800) 963-5337 State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): +1 (800) 342-3557 Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline:

+1 (800) 985-5990

American Red Cross: +1 (800) RED-CROSS | +1 (800) 733-2767

SOCIAL MEDIA TO FOLLOW

Florida Division of Emergency Florida Division of Emergency Florida Division of Emergency Management @FLSERT Management @FLSERT Management @FLSERT National Hurricane Center National Hurricane Center National Hurricane Center @NWSNHC @NHCAtlantic @NWSNHCHurricanes FEMA / FEMA en Español FEMA / FEMA en Español FEMA @FEMA @FEMA / @FEMAEspanol @FEMA / @FEMAEspanol

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION (DBPR)

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. DBPR's mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR is split into two sides, Professional Regulation and Business Regulation. PROFESSIONAL REGULATION BUSINESS REGULATION Division of Certified Public Accounting Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Division of Professions Division of Drugs, Devices & Cosmetics Division of Real Estate Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares & Division of Regulation Mobile Homes Florida Athletic Commission Division of Hotels & Restaurants For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com or call us at (850) 487-1395.

STAY SOCIAL

Florida Department of@Florida.DBPR@FloridaDBPRBusiness and Professional Regulation

REFERENCES USED TO CREATE THIS HURRICANE GUIDE

FloridaDisaster.org/Planning-For-Businesses Ready.gov/Business Fema.gov/Businesses-Organizations Fema.gov - Keep Your Family, Pets Safe When Using Generators RedCross.org - Safe Generator Use HurricaneSafety.org/Prepare/Prepare-Your-Business

HURRICANE GUIDEF L O R I D A D E P A R T M E N T O F B U S I N E S S & P R O F E S S I O N A L R E G U L A T I O N

PREPAREDNESS | RECOVERY | RESILIENCY

M Y F L O R I D A L I C E N S E . C O M