In July, meteorologists at Colorado State University revised their hurricane season forecast, predicting a more active season compared to the already 鈥渆xtremely active鈥� forecast that was posted in April, prior to the start of the 2024 hurricane season. Using data collected throughout the season, the forecast team adjusted its predictions, anticipating increased activity in both the number of named storms and the number of total storms.
By 聽Will Flower
Severe storms can strike anywhere and anytime, leaving a trail of destruction. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters often result in massive amounts of waste. Effective waste collection and disposal are crucial for helping communities recover. This guide outlines the steps waste haulers and municipalities should take to prepare for, respond to, and recover from such events, ensuring the safety of employees and the protection of the facilities that will be critical to the recovery effort.
Before the Storm
Develop and Review Emergency Plans:
鈥� At the start of hurricane season, safety professionals and managers should review and update emergency plans.
鈥� Update emergency contact information, including home and mobile phone numbers for employees and key vendors.
鈥� Check and restock emergency supplies as needed.
Organizational Preparedness:
鈥� Review and assign tasks according to the emergency plan.
鈥� Update contact directories.
鈥� Restock emergency preparedness kits.
鈥� Back up computers and secure important documents.
鈥� Prepare buildings and facilities by cleaning drains and gutters, storing loose objects indoors, trimming trees near buildings, and covering windows.
鈥� Review insurance policies.
鈥� Move vehicles and rolling stock to safe, secure areas (high ground).
鈥� Ensure vehicle fuel tanks are full.
鈥� Keep cell phones charged.
鈥� Monitor weather updates and emergency instructions.
Employee Preparedness:
Remind employees to prepare their homes with enough food, water for at least three days, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Communicate with Customers:
鈥� Advances in storm forecasting enable meteorologists to predict the path and timing of storms. When a storm is threatening, haulers may wish to communicate with customers and remind them to:
- Move waste and recycling containers out of streets, parking lots and right-of-way areas so they do not become a hazard during high winds, heavy rain, or severe flooding.
- Secure containers in a garage, under a carport, or behind their residence, whenever possible, until after the storm. If containers cannot be moved to a safe area, secure them to a fence, tree, or other heavy objects.
- Close container lids to prevent rain from filling the container or wind from scattering debris.
- Commercial customers with containers in corrals should also secure corral doors and locks to prevent any potential hazards.
During the Storm
Protect yourself:
鈥� Find Safe Shelter
鈥� Protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
鈥� Listen for emergency information and alerts. Evacuate if instructed.
鈥� Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
鈥� Ensure the storm has fully passed before leaving shelter.
After the Storm
Assess Damage:
鈥� Check on employees and assess damage to buildings, equipment, and facilities.
鈥� Follow the Emergency Response Plan and respond according to the plan to handle the aftermath of the storm.
鈥� Use generators safely. Only use generators outdoors and away from windows if power is out.
鈥� Document damage. Photograph property damage and record expenses incurred before, during, and after the storm. Keep receipts and track the date, amount, and purpose of each expense in the event an insurance claim is filed.
鈥� Contact your insurance company. Seek assistance for claims if needed.
鈥� Resume waste collection services. Resuming waste collection services after a large storm is hazardous. Employees must exercise extreme caution to avoid injury or death. Key risks include:
- Downed power lines
- Fallen trees
- Flooded roadways
鈥� Review safety protocol with drivers. Drivers should be reminded that routes may be blocked by debris, fallen trees, low-hanging branches, or wires.
鈥� Maintenance managers should prepare for an increased number of flat tires due to excessive debris on roadways following a storm event.
A Critical Plan
The 2024 hurricane season is forecasted to be very active. Having a comprehensive plan to address and respond to storms, including hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, is critical for every solid waste and recycling operation. Use online resources鈥攊f you need help creating or updating your emergency plan, resources, including sample readiness plans and templates are available at www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov. The volume of waste after a big storm will be substantial, requiring workers to anticipate long hours and heightened vigilance during the clean-up effort. | WA
An Active Season
The University of Colorado is warning of an 鈥渆xtremely active鈥� 2024 hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. According to researchers, sea surface temperatures averaged across the hurricane Main Development Region of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean remain near record warm levels. According to the University, these extremely warm sea surface temperatures provide 鈥渁 much more conducive dynamic and thermodynamic environment for hurricane formation and intensification.鈥� In July, the University of Colorado updated its predictions for the 2024 hurricane season:
The number of named storms has increased from 23 to 25, compared to the 1991 to 2020 average of 14.4.
The total number of hurricanes has risen from 11 to 12, compared to the 1991 to 2020 average of 7.2.
Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].