Winter Storm Preparedness
The 2005 hurricane season will close on the last day of November. However, many of us will continue to feel its damaging effects to land, buildings, communities, cities and lives for years to come. We learned valuable lessons over the past few months such as the importance of awareness, communications and preparedness. Although it may be hard to turn our attention away from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and as we approach the winter storm season, we must not forget the damage winter storms can do to our homes and businesses.
Winter storms include activity such as heavy snow, freezing rain, and intense sleet which all have a substantially negative impact on communities, utilities and transportation systems. The accumulation of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, and communication towers; structural damage to buildings may also occur due to the excessive amounts of ice or falling trees. Winter storms, like hurricanes, may spawn others hazards such as flooding, thunderstorms, and extreme winds that we must also be prepared to encounter and then respond effectively. Business can best manage and respond to possible damages by being PREPARED.
The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) provides informative advice on how to be prepared for winter storms on its web site. FEMA suggests that winterizing any homes and/or businesses is the first step - wrapping pipes in insulation, making sure all weather strips are sufficient, and caulking windows so that the cold can not enter the home. As winter storms approach, it is best to have the following supplies on hand:
- Non-perishable food items
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Portable space heaters or wood for fireplaces
- Blankets and sleeping bags
How Irby Can Help?
24-Hour Emergency Response Program
There when you need us
When conditions are at their worst, Irby is at its best. Our 24-hour Emergency Response Program ensures that you can get the products and resources you need, when you need them the most. Irby’s network of strategically located branches allows us to respond rapidly and maintain a reliable supply chain for the duration of the storm.
Technical support 24/7 emergency services are available so that customers can continue operating their own services to the highest standards. Irby provides a 24/7 emergency call-up program giving customers access to Irby technical specialists who are readily available to assist them with their needs. Irby has access to over 1,200 leading industry manufacturers to supply additional technical support. Customers can call on Irby with any question or concern; if we do not have the answer, we will find it for you through our manufacturers’ 24/7 Response Centers.
Irby Online Use Irby Online and view inventory at all Irby locations. Place orders directly and for multiple locations. View manufacturers catalog sheets for detail specifications, technical information, or access MSDS sheets - more than 1.3 million items to search from.
Irby Onsite Many times after a disaster, finding the means to pick up orders and distributing materials in at timely manner can be challenging. Irby understands how important it is to get jobs done quickly and efficiently. Irby On Site delivers materials directly to your job site, Hot Shot deliveries in emergency situations, and emergency job site trailers are available to save time and money with materials management.
For utility and electrical companies in particular, we recommend the following services and valuable items to stock in preparing for storms:
Storm stock As an electrical distributor, Irby has many ways to help you prepare for upcoming winter storms. Irby maintains disaster preparedness inventories allowing businesses access to before, during, and after the storms.
- Repair sleeves, Line construction tools, Safety signs, Pole line hardware, Grounding wire
- Anchors and rods, Insulators, Wire and cable, Generators, Grounding rods and Jumper sets
- Crossarms and braces, Tie wire, Lighting fixtures, Protective arrestors and switches
From names you trust:
Streamlight , Lacross, Hubbell Power Systems,
Wells Lamont, LittleMule
Tool repair Irby’s emergency Tool Repair Shop is able to custom assemble Grounds and Jumper sets for utilities providing a necessary safety item and a very critical item during restoration. Irby is able to assemble a large number of sets allowing utility customers and contractor crews the materials they need to help restore power.
Irby wants you to know that we are there for you before, during and after any type of devastating storm. We believe preparedness is important and a key role in helping you keep your business running in times of a crisis. Make sure you are prepared by calling your local Irby branch today or call 800-844-1811.
I.C.E. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
It Can Help During an Emergency
As a result of the recent terrorist attacks in London, a new campaign called In Case of Emergency (ICE) is underway that uses cell phones to help emergency workers quickly contact friends and relatives of victims of accidents or disasters. The service is proving vital to emergency workers in quickly attaining consent to emergency medical treatment and learning of critical medical histories.
How does it work?
- On your cell phone, go to Contacts, and select the function that allows you to add a new contact.
- Name your new contact ICE and then add the telephone number of your emergency contact.
- If possible, add both the daytime and evening phone numbers.
Some phones may not allow you to duplicate a phone number. For example, if your spouse is your ICE partner and that person’s contact is already in your cell phone, you may not be able to re-list that same number under a different name. One suggestion is to change your spouse’s contact name to contain the ICE designation, such as “ICE wife” or “ICE husband.”
HELPFUL TIPS
To make sure ICE works properly, follow these important tips:
- Make sure the person whose name and number you are giving has agreed to be your ICE partner.
- Your ICE partner should have a list of people to contact on your behalf, including your place of work.
- Make sure your ICE partner’s number is one that’s easy to contact, for example a home number could be useless in an emergency if the person works full time.
- The ICE partner should know about any medical conditions that could affect your emergency treatment, for example allergies or current medication.
- For those under 18, the ICE partner should be a parent or member of the immediate family who is authorized to make decisions on their behalf.
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