Hurricane Preparedness + Response

The Georgia Restaurant Association strongly encourages restaurant owners and operators to stay informed about and prepare for hurricane season (June 1 – November 30, peaking early August – late October). One of the most important actions to take is download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Also, be sure to sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no-sign up. More resources and information are available below. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, contact us.

Restaurant Hurricane Preparedness Guide from Strategic Claim Consultants (includes "before" and "after" checklists)

PREPARATION

GET A PLAN

The Ready Georgia page powered by GEMA provides businesses with valuable information regarding preparedness, response, and recovery issues. Ready Georgia explains how to prepare your business BEFORE disaster strikes, help keep your workplace and employees safe DURING and what businesses should do AFTER to recover and rebuild.

A disaster of any size could have an impact on your business. Taking the steps to build a business disaster plan and encourage your employees to create a family emergency plan can reduce the impact on your business. It is important to consider how a disaster could affect your employees, customers, and workplace. Go to www.ready.gov/business to build your customized business disaster plan and encourage your employees to build a customized family emergency plan.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS DOCUMENTS

MORE INFORMATION

POWER OUTAGE TOOLKIT

While a power outage may not seem as dangerous as a tornado or earthquake, they can still cause damage to homes, businesses and communities. Power outages cost the U.S. economy $20 billion and $55 billion annually and continue to increase each year (CRS, 2012).

SEVERE WIND/TORNADO TOOLKIT

It is not just in Tornado Alley. Most of the United States is at some risk for severe wind and tornadoes.

READY BUSINESS WORKSHOP "HOW-TO" GUIDE

This “How-To” guide explains how to plan for and deliver effective Ready Business workshops.

RESPONSE

USDA FOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANES

Click here for a list of recommendations to reduce food waste and the risk of foodborne illness during severe weather events. In the wake of a hurricane, there may likely be power outages and flooding.  Both pose a risk to the integrity of food and water.  Food safety requirements should adhere to post-disaster if you are serving food to the public and to your own family.

Be certain refrigerated food has been stored at correct temperatures of 41°F or below. Frozen food should be maintained at 0°F or below. Thawing should be conducted using only correct methods. Food packaging should be intact with no trace of water intrusion or exposure. In addition, if food has been exposed to storm-related water or debris of any type, it should be discarded should not be served. If food is in question remember when in doubt, throw it out. For information about food safety requirements visit the USDA.

EMERGENCY LODGING ASSISTANCE

In response to hurricanes, FEMA activates the Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program. The ELA provides lodging reimbursement for pre-qualified individuals from designated disaster areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency created the ELA program to provide temporary shelter as a result of a Federal disaster declaration. Individuals or families searching for lodging may contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

WATER/ELECTRICAL/NATURAL GAS INTERRUPTION FOR GEORGIA FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

CRISIS RESPONSE AND COMMUNICATIONS