Now that your business has survived the latest natural disaster it's time to ensure that you're ready for the next one. (Photo: iStock)

If your company wasn't impacted by Hurricane Matthew or the subsequent flooding, consider yourself fortunate. But, it doesn't mean you're off the hook completely as more storms continue to brew while the calendar moves from autumn to winter, says a recent article by GlobeSt.com sister publication, ALM's PropertyCasualty360.com. In fact, driven by El Nino, warm ocean currents are creating severe weather conditions in all parts of the country.

Here are a few tips to help mitigate risk:

Plan your emergency response

• Establish an emergency response team with participants from all parts of your organization.
• Ensure that your business keeps a stash of nonperishable food, two-way radios, stored drinking water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, and boots, gloves, hard hats and dry clothing. Communicate where these items are to your emergency response team.
• Store a supply of plywood, plastic tarps, and caution construction tape for future use.
• Conduct disaster management drills to ensure all members of the team and all employees know their responsibilities.

Work with local government officials in advance

• File a copy of your emergency response plan with local law enforcement officials, and provide them with new versions as you update them.
• Ensure that the local government's emergency response team has contact information for your organization, and provided updated contacts as your team members change roles or leave the company.

Maintain emergency equipment

• Check emergency generator and fire pump fuel tanks regularly to ensure they are full.
• Test emergency generators and engine-driven fire pumps regularly for proper automatic start. Generators should be test-run under load.
• Check roof-mounted equipment to ensure it is connected securely to the building's structural steel. Bolts and guide wires should be tight and free from rust and corrosion.
• Check roof drains to ensure that they are clear and able to drain off heavy rains. Have repairs made to any portion of the roof covering that appears loose, bubbled, or otherwise weakened.

For more tips on how to mitigate risk, read the full article by clicking here.