Four Things Retailers Must Know This Hurricane Season
By Maricha Ellis, Stericycle Environmental Solutions
The devastating destruction from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017 wreaked havoc on retailers — and everything else — in their path. But cleaning up the damage caused by a severe storm isn’t as simple as hauling dumpsters out to your retail location and throwing all of the waste into it. With last year’s hurricane season being the most expensive in U.S. history, it is more important than ever for retailers to be prepared for natural disasters, especially those caused by high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding.
One of the most dangerous and costly mistakes a retailer can make is neglecting to prepare their hazardous waste in these types of weather-related emergencies. In order to protect hazardous waste in facilities against extreme weather, the following tips should be taken into consideration.
Always Be Prepared
Being prepared for the destruction caused by hurricanes is of the utmost importance for retailers. Proactive planning can help minimize the damage inflicted to a retail location, as well as lessen health risks to customers and staff. Additionally, proactive planning and communication with local emergency responders in advance is also key to obtaining the response and support needed when the emergency strikes.
Create An Emergency Response Plan
When creating a natural disaster emergency plan, executives should consider several factors. First and foremost, retailers should determine emergency response roles. For example, who will make crucial decisions in the event of a storm? Who will be involved in hazardous waste management, and who will assist in its removal?
Once roles have been established, it is important to carry out assigned responsibilities. From securing all hazardous chemicals safely outside of potential flooding areas, to identifying what hazardous wastes could be generated and understanding what type of reporting and paperwork must be completed after an incident, there are many elements that should be considered in the emergency response plan.
Lastly, an appropriate emergency response plan should also include proper communication protocol. One of the biggest mistakes retailers make when preparing for a natural disaster is a lack of a communication. When communication is done improperly, this can be a huge obstacle for organizations to overcome.
Secure Hazardous Waste Already On Site
While hazardous waste should be removed prior to the arrival of severe weather, it can be nearly impossible when a hurricane is well on its way. If a location cannot remove all hazardous waste, there are several safety precautions to follow when securing the materials that will remain on site.
Solids and powders can be covered in plastic and secured properly, and the correct lids should be securely fastened on containers. Containment areas should be set up and properly cleaned. Known waste areas should also be cleared out in advance of a major storm. Whenever possible, move hazardous wastes into higher storage areas and ensure that storage containment, such as flammable liquids cabinets, are sufficiently closed.
Find An Emergency Response Partner
One of the most important things a retailer can do in preparation for hurricane season is to find an experienced third-party emergency response partner. Whenever a natural disaster or flooding occurs, an emergency response partner is necessary to help reopen flooded retail locations as quickly as possible.
Without a pre-existing agreement in place, it can take more time for an emergency response partner to access and service a store location during a hurricane, as their priority will be to tend to customers first. Because of this, it is important to find the best emergency response partner for your retail location before or early in hurricane season, rather than waiting until the damage has been done.
Maricha Ellis is Vice President of Marketing and Sales Operations for Stericycle Environmental Solutions, a leader in assisting customers with hazardous waste transportation and disposal, industrial cleanup, household hazardous waste, site restoration, emergency response services and more. The Stericycle team has responded to thousands of environmental emergency calls, providing disaster recovery assistance after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters.