Louisiana’s unique geographical location may lead to car dealerships being vulnerable to a number of different severe weather events, such as hurricanes, flash floods, hail, and tornadoes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Louisiana has been affected by an average of 5.8 weather related disasters in the past five years. These disasters have resulted in over $19 billion in losses. For car dealerships, natural disasters pose significant risks not only to inventory but also to the safety of employees and customers. National Preparedness Month is observed in September each year and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This initiative aims to raise awareness and encourages communities to take proactive steps to be ready for natural disasters when they arise. • Develop an Emergency Plan: It is essential for car dealerships to develop a comprehensive written emergency preparedness plan. This plan should outline procedures for various types of emergencies (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, hail, etc.) and should include evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and communication protocols. Regularly review and update the emergency plan to account for new risks, changes in operations, and lessons learned from previous incidents. • Secure the Facility: Secure any loose items around the dealership that could become projectiles during high winds. Move vehicles to higher ground in case of flooding. Turn off all non-essential electrical current to the building(s) at the main circuit boxes, leaving on only power for alarm systems to operate. • Establish Communication Protocols: Clear communication is vital during an emergency. Establish protocols for notifying employees, customers, and local authorities about the dealership’s operational status. Multiple channels (e.g., email, text messages, social media, and the dealership’s website) should be used to communicate information quickly and effectively. • Train Employees: All employees should have regular training to ensure they are familiar with the written emergency plan and know how to respond in a crisis. If your dealership has safety & health or OSHA questions, please feel free to contact Risk Management Services’ Loss Prevention Department at 1-800-351- RISK (7475) or by email: LossPrevention@RMSLA.com. ENDORSED BY: The Following Tips Can Help Car Dealerships Prepare for Natural Disasters: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR LOUISIANA CAR DEALERSHIPS
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