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.
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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.
