Rob Coppola Senior Account Executive – Construction Insurance Practice Group View Bio

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form over tropical or subtropical waters. As a result of the high winds and water they bring ashore, hurricanes can destroy or damage homes, businesses and public infrastructure, as well as cause injuries or loss of life.

The number of severe tropical storms and hurricanes is increasing, and businesses in coastal areas are especially susceptible to their effects.

Significant portions of the United States are at risk of experiencing the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. While the greatest threat to life and property is along the coasts due to storm surges and large waves, the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms can be felt hundreds of miles inland. Heavy rains, strong winds, wind-driven rain, coastal and inland flooding, tornadoes and coastal storm surges can pose risks to businesses, homes and people.

While it may not be possible to prevent the occurrence of a hurricane,
there are measures you can take to protect your business. 

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Businesses

Before a Hurricane

A hurricane watch will be issued 48 hours before hurricane conditions are expected to reach land. Be prepared to act when the watch is issued and protect your physical property from the upcoming storm. The following should be taken into consideration when assessing the potential scope of hurricane damage.

People—It’s essential to keep an accurate, up-to-date employee contact list. This is particularly important if many employees work remotely, as they may be scattered throughout the country and need different types of assistance when a hurricane hits

Suppliers—Even if a hurricane does not directly damage your business, it can affect other organizations you rely on to conduct operations. When conducting your assessment, address how you’ll communicate with suppliers to account for business interruptions and potential delays.

Locations and assets—To minimize downtime after a hurricane hits, back up your data on-premises, at a remote site and in the cloud; identify a separate, more secure location where you can move physical assets to help to minimize damages; and be sure to review your disaster and flood insurance policies to ensure you meet all documentation requirements

  • Be aware of the unique threats to your operational area. Businesses within 50 miles of the shoreline are at a greater risk of property damage and business interruption since they are more susceptible to storm surge flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and inland flooding from rainfall.
  • Understand what type of damage to expect from hurricane winds. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating that ranges from 1 to 5 based on a hurricane’s sustained miles-per-hour (mph) wind speed and estimates potential property damage. The rating scale is as follows:
  • Review and practice your plan. One of the most effective ways to minimize the impact of a hurricane is to have a plan in place that is reviewed and practiced regularly. Be sure to test the plan and educate employees through training, drills and mock disasters.
  • Develop a business continuity plan. A business continuity plan establishes protocols on how your business should respond in case of an emergency or natural disaster. To prepare a business continuity plan

During a Hurricane

If necessary, evacuation arrangements should be made before the hurricane hits land. If it’s determined that it’s safe to stay on-site during the storm, complete the following:

  • Watch for roof leaks, pipe breakage, fire or structural damage, and make repairs as necessary.
  • Check the sprinkler water pressure and watch for loss of pressure.
  • Turn off electrical switches if a power outage occurs to avoid reactivation before necessary checks are completed.
  • Shelter in place, if necessary.

After a Hurricane

Hurricanes pose a serious threat to the economy when business owners aren’t prepared following a storm. To return to normal operations as quickly as possible:

  • Follow all instructions from local authorities.
  • Perform a status check on employees to see if they are in need of help.
  • Wait until the area your business is located in is declared safe before surveying the damage.
  • Use caution on the roads, and turn around if a road is flooded or barricaded.
  • Set up a phone number or website to communicate with employees and customers.
  • Take photographs of any damage.

Contact a professional to survey for safety hazards, including live wires, gas leaks and damage to foundations or underground piping.

Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. To discuss options right for you,  contact us today.