Avoiding Flood Damage to Your Forklift During a Hurricane & More

In Florida, hurricanes are a reality. The hurricane season brings these storms with all too frequent regularity, causing substantial damage and disruptions. One critical aspect often overlooked is protecting valuable equipment like forklifts. These heavy-duty machines are essential for efficient warehouse operations and safeguarding them from flood damage during hurricanes is of the utmost importance. In this article, we’ll explore essential tips for keeping your forklift safe when facing the fury of a hurricane.

Preparation Prior to the Storm:

Emergency Plans

Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes protocols for safeguarding forklifts and other essential equipment. Train your staff on these procedures so that they can act swiftly and confidently when faced with an impending storm. Assign specific responsibilities to ensure a coordinated and organized response, and conduct drills to make sure that everyone knows their assignments.

Install a Generator

Loss of electricity after a storm can be devastating to a business, and it may take several days or even weeks for your power to be restored. Be proactive by installing an emergency generator so that you can get your business up and running as soon as it’s safe to return to your facility. When a storm is eminent, run a test on the generator to make sure it’s in good working order and has sufficient fuel.  

Monitor Weather Updates

Carefully monitor local weather updates during hurricane season. Advance warnings will allow you to prepare your forklifts and facilities adequately. Implement your emergency plans when a hurricane warning is issued and don’t wait until the last minute.

Move Your Forklifts to Safety

Because hurricanes move slowly, weather forecasters are able to provide warnings days in advance of the arrival of a storm. Take advantage of this lead time and move your forklifts to an area that’s not threatened. This will protect your equipment not only from the winds, but also from the storm surge, which often causes even more damage.

Utilize Waterproof Covers

Invest in some high-quality waterproof covers specifically designed for your forklifts. Waterproof covers can protect your equipment from rain and floodwaters, preventing water from seeping into sensitive components and causing serious damage. Make sure the covers fit snugly and are securely fastened to prevent them from blowing off during the storm.

Elevate Forklift Charging Stations

If your forklifts are electric and require charging stations, make sure these stations are elevated above the anticipated flood level. Raising the charging stations will prevent electrical components from getting submerged, reducing the risk of short circuits and irreversible damage.

Secure Outdoor Items

Hurricanes bring strong winds that can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Secure any such items, debris, or equipment around the forklift to prevent them from colliding with the lift during the storm. Also, consider fastening the forklift to a sturdy anchor point to prevent it from being blown around by high winds.

After the Storm has Passed

Post-hurricane Inspection

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to return to your facility, conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Watch for damaged power or gas lines and be cautious around any standing water. Open doors and windows to facilitate drying out. Inspect your forklifts for any signs of water damage, mud accumulation, or any other issues that may have arisen during the storm. Take care of any damage promptly to prevent long-term problems.

Summary

Protecting your forklifts during a hurricane is a critical responsibility for any business owner. By taking proactive measures such as relocating your equipment, using waterproof covers, and securely tying down any equipment that is to remain in your facility, you can protect them from the storm. Implementing emergency plans and monitoring weather updates will further help to prevent any potential damage.

Get Help from Your Local Forklift Dealer

Having a reliable source like Ring Power Lift Trucks for spare parts, repairs, and advice will be invaluable in the event that your forklifts sustain hurricane damage. Ring Power Lift Trucks is the premier forklift dealer in Florida with a broad range of forklifts as well as other materials handling equipment. In addition to sales and service, we also provide OSHA approved training for your forklift operators.

We represent all of the leading forklift manufacturers and can work with you to select a new or used forklift for your operation. We also offer short term and long term forklift rentals. We have locations in St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Sarasota, Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville, and our services go beyond sales and rentals. We can also supply you with forklift parts and service to minimize your downtime.

If you would like any more information about the products or services we offer, visit our website or reach out to us at 877-544-5438.