If the worst happens, and employees are seriously injured or are taken hostage, some corporations will already have have emergency evacuation plans in place, and even hostage negotiators on hand, particularly if a ransom is being demanded.

BBC: Protecting workers in dangerous places

Gov. Bobby Jindal has preemptively declared a state of emergency and urged residents to update their evacuation plans.

CNN: After Katrina, New Orleans won't be fooled again

The problems range from obstructions at fire exits and problems with fire extinguishers to a lack of fire evacuation plans, alarms and emergency lights.

BBC: 'Unsafe' Brazil nightclubs closed after Santa Maria fire

It has also shown that national authorities must take risk into account at all levels, including education about hazards in schools, urban planning in coastal zones, modification of building codes and materials, evacuation plans for communities and organization of effective emergency services.

UNESCO: THEMES

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has advice on hurricane preparation and evacuation plans.

BBC: Hurricane Sandy: Essential links