• Home
  • About
  • Products & Services
  • Claims
  • Producers
  • Loss Control Center
  • Request A Quote
  • Green Tree Risk Partners
  • HardwareXpress
  • Portable Sawmill Protection
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Make a Payment
  • Producer Portal
  • Request a Quote
  • Green Tree Risk Partners
  • Contact Us
  • 1.800.752.1895
Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company for wood products industry
MENUMENU
  • About
        • About Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual

        • Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company
          • About
          • Why PLM?
          • History
          • Timeline
          • Leadership
          • Newsroom
          • Financials
          • Events
          • Careers
          • Quick Links

          • A Culture of Caring
          • Newsletters
            • Subscribe
            • Lumber Memo Archive
            • Producer Update Archive
  • Products & Services
        • Products & Services

        • Specialized Property & Casualty Insurance for the Woodworking and Building Material Industries
          • Products Overview
          • Who We Protect
          • Coverages
          • Business Development Representatives
          • Payment Options
          • Dividends
          • Request a Quote
          • Workers' Compensation Placement

          • Green Tree Risk Partners
          • Hardware Store Insurance Solution

          • HardwareXpress
          • Portable Sawmill Insurance Solution

          • Portable Sawmill
          • Quick Links

          • Locate a Business Development Representative
          • Stock Reporting Form
          • Interactive Protection Map
  • Claims
  • Producers
        • Insurance Producers & Brokers

        • Lumber
          • Producers
          • Producer Kit
          • Interactive Protection Map
          • Commission ACH Payments
          • Producer Portal
          • Wholesale Brokerage / Workers' Compensation Placement / Logging Program

          • Green Tree Risk Partners
  • Loss Control Center
        • Loss Control Center

        • Reduce insurance risk in the wood products and lumber industry
          • Loss Control Center

          • Loss Control Center Home
          • Loss Control Guides

          • Operations
          • Auto / Fleet
          • Fire
          • Machinery
          • Risk Management Resources

          • Safety Training Videos
          • Distracted Driving - Phone
          • Continuous MVR Monitoring
          • Portable Alert System
          • Telematics
          • Combustible Dust Solutions
          • Safety Materials
          • Additional Safety Resources
          • Protective Devices
          • Quick Links

          • Locate a Loss Control Representative
  • News
You are here: Home / Producer Update / Plumb Safety: Preparing for Tornadoes, Wind, and Hail  

Plumb Safety: Preparing for Tornadoes, Wind, and Hail  

November 10, 2023 by PLM

Plumb Safety Header
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • LinkedIn

Year after year, we hear about catastrophic and destructive hurricanes. Just a few months ago, Hurricane Idalia caused an estimated $3 to $5 billion in private market insured losses. Hurricanes are a major threat to homes and businesses nationwide and around the world, but they are not the only catastrophe to keep an eye on. Weather risks across the board can cause significant damage and headaches for lumber businesses.  

This year, we have seen tornadoes, hail, and windstorms tied to claims with major losses. As of October 1 of this year, we’ve received 165 wind and hail claims alone, compared to 94 claims as of this point last year. One of our worst documented losses this year came from a tornado incident in Mississippi. A tornado levelled several buildings in the town, including the hospital, post office, a local school, and a large lumberyard. The lumberyard was a client of PLM’s and the damage from the tornado resulted in a more than $3 million claim.  

Thankfully, we were able to respond quickly to support rebuilding efforts. Immediately after the tornado, we surveyed the damage and worked with the lumberyard to determine the next steps. Within a few months, the lumberyard was back up and running and able to support the town in its rebuilding efforts.  

Partnering with a specialty insurer like PLM that knows the industry can offer peace of mind when it comes to preparation for CAT events. They’ll help ensure that your clients know what to do to prepare for the worst, how to respond immediately, and ensure they have the coverage they need to protect their business.  

But there are additional steps businesses can take. Here are some best practices to prepare for weather losses: 

  • Roof maintenance: Regular roof maintenance is key. Check for any uncovered wear and tear issues such as missing or popped screws or nails, worn or deteriorated sealants or loose panels. Keep roof drains and gutters clear of debris. These steps will help keep the roof strong in the event of any disaster. 
  • Prep for the cold and wind: Keep a careful eye on the weather forecast. If dangerous weather is on the horizon, make sure your business is ready. Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F and let all faucets drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing pipes. Keep extra fuel on hand for generators.  
  • Make a plan: Build a crisis response plan in case a weather event severely damages your business. This should include establishing how staff should communicate, what steps need to be taken to prepare the business for the weather event and how team members should operate during the recovery period.  

These steps can serve as a valuable resource to limiting weather related losses. PLM also offers more comprehensive weather-related risk mitigation tips in our loss control guides: https://www.plmins.com/loss-control/. Ahead of winter storm season, reach out to PLM for a site visit by one of our loss control professionals to confirm your clients location is ready for a potential CAT event. 

Producer Update: Issue 5 – 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • President’s Commentary
  • Cyber Corner: Don’t Get Scammed this Holiday Season
  • Plumb Safety: Preparing for Tornadoes, Wind, and Hail
  • Fall Protection in the Workplace
  • Dovetail: Inflation and Property Values – Is Your Business Adequately Protected?
  • Spotlight On: PLM Earns Several Major Insurance Awards
  • Spotlight On: United Way Campaign – A Look at Our 2023 United Way Campaign
  • Spotlight On: 3.5% Dividend for NEMEON
  • Recent Wins

PREVIOUS:

Cyber Corner: Don’t Get Scammed this Holiday Season

NEXT:

Fall Protection in the Workplace

Filed Under: Producer Update

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Toll Free: 1.800.752.1895
Fax: 215.625.9097
CustServ@plmins.com

              
  • About
  • Products & Services
  • Claims
  • Producers
  • Loss Control Center
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Contact Us
PLM wood products insurance logo
Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Legal
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
© PLM. All Rights Reserved.