The start of the 2010 hurricane season offers challenges to both homeowners and building owners alike. While consumers are regularly warned to prepare hurricane kits for necessities that may not be found after a storm, Scott Miller of Coastal Chemical (http://www.coastalchemical.com) wants building owners and facility directors to do the same.
“When a tropical storm or hurricane hits the area, it can shut down retail and supply stores for some time. If a janitorial director didn’t stock up on supplies such as soap, hand towels paper plates/cups and garbage bags, they could cause major inconvenience to the people they serve,” states Miller. “Building owners, managers and facility directors need to create their own version of a hurricane survival kit to provide every day necessities that may not be available during or immediately after a major storm.”
Through his 20+ years of providing janitorial/sanitary supplies in Florida - before, during and after a storm - Miller notes that the following products are commonly high priority when orders come in… and hence should be part of every hurricane kit for business and public building serving as shelter:
• Alkaline batteries, battery operated radio and flashlights
• Restroom and portable toilet supplies: Towels, tissue, can liners, facial tissue, hand sanitizers and soaps.
• Rubber gloves and cleaning supplies
• Five-gallon drums and plastic garbage bags
• Disposable food service items including cutlery, plates, napkins, cups, aluminum foil, stretch film, dish soap, etc. for the preparation of meals, the consumption of meals, and the storage of food. Also, coolers and ice.
• Wet dry vacuums, carpet extractors, air movers, floor squeegees, and rags or towels for water removal
• Duct tape and blue painter’s tape, which doesn’t leave a residue after removal
• Plastic tarps
“During a crisis that every major storm brings, the last thing you want people to worry about is if you have soap, paper plates and tissue,” states Miller. “That’s why we work proactively with our customers to make sure they stay in stock and are prepared for the next storm.”
But Miller states that while ordering supplies before a storm arrvies is easy through their website, (http://www.coastalchemical.com)
“For hospitals, shelters, community centers and large businesses that need supplies to serve their public or employees during a major storm, Coastal, by contract, will take all steps possible to provide timely delivery of supplies under possible adverse conditions,”
“We have signed agreements with several health facilities around the area for the coming season and expect to sign more because of the commitment we’ve made to our customers.”
During a storm, Coastal is already prepared with its vendors to provide product quickly from out of the area, use its own generators to keep operational, provide a mobile office option, and a fleet of rental trucks for delivery options with a national vendor to quickly be up and running supporting its customer’s needs.
After the storm or as soon as emergency personnel advise that roads are open, Coastal can service the entire Gulf Coast with its delivery trucks. Miller stresses that Coastal can only serve businesses who sign a mutual aid contract prior to a storm.
While janitorial supplies are mainly used to serve the public good, some can also be used to protect items inside a facility. For instance:
• Three ply plastic liners can be used to enclose computers, televisions and other electronics from water and wind
• Plastic trash receptacles with wheels can be used to haul equipment and furniture quickly and safely… and be used with a lid to protect contents from the elements
• Secure or purchase portable generators or generators provided by an equipment rental company on contract. Don’t wait until there is a run on them at the local retailer.
Regarding other tips for businesses, Miller suggests the following that are part of the Institute for Business & Home Safety:
For Employees
• Assign a team to put up shutters and prepare your office or store
• Secure and protect all company records.
• Inform clients that you’re shutting down early and when you plan to reopen.
• Make sure your staff has adequate identification and copies of licenses in order to be admitted to restricted areas.
Physical Plant
• Proper shutters installed in all openings
• Back up the computer system, and store records in a safe place.
• Identify equipment, materials or outdoor structures that could become airborne debris and move them to a save location.
Communications
• Create a plastic card for all employees with key telephone numbers to keep in their wallets.
• Set-up a telephone number with a message to inform employees of company operations.
• Have a battery backup for your PBX or multi-line phone equipment.
About Coastal Chemical
Coastal Chemical – http://www.coastalchemical.com – has been providing janitorial and sanitation supply products to customers for more than 40 years. We have made it our business to understand the needs of both commercial and residential users and the products that will best service those needs. We understand that not only must the product work well and be a good value; we must also have it readily available. To meet that demand, Coastal now offers 4,000 in-stock items that are available for next day delivery from over 32 warehouses across the nation. We also offer over 30,000 special order items.
