Preparedness as Hurricane Season Winds Down
OCTOBER 15, 2019
Although Atlantic hurricane season simmering down and officially ends Nov. 30, it is still imperative that businesses of all sizes – from small to large quantity generators – are prepared for emergencies caused by high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding.
The following tips will help you better prepare to protect your facility’s hazardous waste during extreme weather emergencies.
1. Review your hazardous waste inventory
In addition to destruction and financial devastation, natural disasters can present communities with significant health, safety and environmental risks, often in the form of hazardous spills and leaks.
To reduce the risks of injury, review your hazardous waste inventory and ensure proper compliance.
2. Track the path of potential storm
To know the impact of the storm in your area, rely on reputable websites and tools such as:
- National Weather Service
- The Weather Channel
- News outlets in your local area
3. Store containers
If possible, hazardous waste should be removed prior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Barry or other severe weather. Yet, that standard can be nearly impossible when weather is well on its way. If your location cannot remove all hazardous waste, please ensure containers are in a secure area and verify proper closure.
Whenever possible, move hazardous materials and wastes that must remain on-site into higher storage areas and confirm that storage containment such as flammable liquids cabinets are sufficiently closed.
4. Make sure waste is segregated
To avoid reactions in case of a spill, make sure waste is properly segregated. 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. It is also recommended to keep spill kits available and well-stocked.
5. Review your facility’s contingency plans
Before severe weather, preparedness programs and applicable response plans should be reviewed for accuracy and effectiveness. This includes reviewing response procedures, mitigation opportunities, best practices, response objectives and operational requirements are necessary to ensure compliant preparedness and effective response measures are in place.
Everyone in the facility should also understand safe evacuation routes.
6. Review emergency response information
In addition to reviewing your facility’s emergency plans, be sure to communicate emergency response contractor information with your employees. This includes 24/7 contact information.
Ready to help
Clean Earth has responded to thousands of environmental emergency calls, providing disaster recovery assistance after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters. Our specialized technicians are ready to collect, transport and dispose of your waste in a safe and complaint manner.
For more information about our emergency response services, please click here. To schedule a service, contact your Clean Earth representative.
Emergency Response Hotline: 877-577-2669