Plumb Safety: Preparing Your Business for Hurricane Season

Make Sure Your Clients are Prepared for Hurricane Season

Summer is right around the corner and this year, businesses could be gearing up for another above-average storm season. Last year, of the 21 named storms that occurred, 11 were considered hurricanes or major hurricanes leaving business and property owners with billions of dollars in damages.

Experts predict this season will be similar to the last few years, though it is still too early to tell. According to Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project, the Pacific Ocean’s lower temperatures, or La Niña, could persist through the summer, resulting in another active season of storms and hurricanes. CSU’s forecast states a potential for four to five major hurricanes, nine to 11 hurricanes and 13 to 16 named storms from June through November 2022.

Although storm season is inevitable, there are several steps you can recommend to your clients to mitigate risks including power outages, fires, structural damage, flooding and the subsequent business interruption storms can cause. In addition to securing an insurance policy, producers can recommend the following best practices to help prepare their clients for this year’s potential disasters:

• Have a plan and train staff: Implement a disaster plan complete with roles for staff to assume in the event of a catastrophe. Train staff on the plan and run disaster drills to familiarize themselves with their tasks and safety protocols.
• Protect the property: Inspect the roof for structural damage and the property for any potential exposures and repair or replace damages where necessary. Consider investing in protective equipment such as impact-resistant doors and windows.
• Consider a generator: A generator is essential to maintain business operations and a safe work environment when disaster strikes. Make sure generators are routinely maintained and in working condition.
• Secure outdoor equipment or merchandise: Any business equipment or product that is stored outside should be properly secured or brought indoors. Any stock that cannot be stored inside should be stacked low. Loose stacks should be bundled to help prevent damage to structures from blown debris.
• Conduct regular tree maintenance: Loose tree branches can break through windows, structures and cars. Make sure trees are trimmed and maintained throughout the property to avoid breaking and falling branches.

Storm season can be daunting for business owners, especially as property maintenance may fall to the wayside as business increases in the summer. Talk to your clients about coordinating a site visit with PLM to understand the unique risks to their business. For more information on mitigating risks, please direct your clients to PLM’s loss control guides. Additional resources can also be found at disastersafety.org/hurricane/ with information on how your clients can make their business hurricane ready.