Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and experts are warning against "hurricane amnesia" – in other words, forgetting the horrific damage that can occur from a hurricane. However, since business disruptions can occur anytime, it’s important to take these steps now to get your business prepared:
Before a Storm Approaches - What you should do Now
Review your Insurance
- Review your coverage limits and deductibles (especially hurricane deductible) with your agent to ensure appropriate insurance. Be sure any new equipment has been added and that you’re adequately covered.
- Know what’s excluded and whether or not you have replacement cost or actual cash value.
- Copy all insurance policies and important documents and retain them on the property as well as at a remote or home location. Know the claims numbers for your insurance company.
- Maintain pictures or video coverage of buildings, vehicles and equipment.
Prepare your Office & Employees
- Maintain an up-to-date contact list (with phone numbers, cellular numbers and addresses) for all employees, managers and owners.
- Select key personnel for communicating weather related closures or actions to your employees. Review your Disaster plan with them now.
- For the safety of your employees, act decisively in regards to closing operations or locations.
- Determine whether your business should obtain a generator and associated fuel, taking into consideration proper storage and usage requirements.
- Stock up on these basics during Sales Tax Holiday June 1 – June 12:
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and batteries
- Radio with batteries
- Bottled Water
After the Disaster… Tips for a Safe and Fast Recovery
- Promptly record damages with photographs and/or video.
- Take steps to protect your property from further damages, such as using tarps to cover material.
- Retain receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the hurricane, as some of these costs may be reimbursed (depending on your coverages). Be conservative in your spending, as deductibles may apply. Such costs may include: Moving costs, Storage costs, Temporary lodging, Meals, and Materials to protect property from further damage
- Report your loss to your insurance agent as quickly as possible. If your agent is not available, contact your insurance carrier directly.
- Use your insurance company’s adjuster. Be aware that public adjusters (not from your insurance company) may solicit you, but they may charge you a percentage of your claim for their services.
Going Back to Work - Protecting your employees, your customers, and yourself after the Storm
When you are able to resume business activities, make sure to do so safely. For example:
- If damages are severe, do not allow employees to enter the facility until a licensed electrician checks the electrical system.
- Do not have employees undertake tasks they are not properly trained to perform (such as electrical wiring, fixing roofs, moving heavy items, cleaning contaminants).
- If water quality is questionable, provide bottled drinking water.
- Be aware of potential heat exhaustion. Require employees working outside or in uncontrolled climates to take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water (or other caffeine free, non carbonated beverages).
- Falls are one of the leading causes of injury. Review changes in the workplace due to water and damages with employees. Chain or rope off any exposed elevations from which employees could potentially fall. Remove excess water to reduce slipping.
- If your power is off and you must use a generator, never use it indoors; carbon monoxide emissions can be deadly. Store fuel in proper containers. Remember, flammables (including fuels) must be stored in metal or fireproof cabinets.
- To reduce fire hazards, use battery powered lighting in lieu of candles.
- Lifting is also a significant risk exposure. Before having employees help move items, take a few minutes to review these basics and make sure employees:
- Clear the path for the move to reduce tripping
- Pre-test weight before lifting
- Bend the knees for lifting from the floor
- Obtain a firm and comfortable grip on material
- Keep the load close to the body
- Avoid twisting, rotate with foot placement
- Get assistance for awkward or heavy loads.
When it’s time to Re-build
- If structural rebuilding is needed, consult with your county’s Building Department regarding regulations to ensure cost effective and compliant results that are up to current building codes.
- Use only licensed and insured contractors for repairs.
- Ask your insurance agent for recommendations about proper coverages for your contractors. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for information about contractors.