Sometimes storms arrive too quickly to send your employees home, or you're in a business that provides storm supplies to consumers. Any business owner should be prepared for severe storms.

Primary concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
Extra medicine and baby items.
First-aid supplies.
Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.

Other important prevention tips:

Learn to properly extinguish a fire.
Have proper ventilation.
Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on hand.
Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.