According to FEMA, as many as 75% of businesses fail within 3 years of a natural disaster because they didn’t have a continuity plan. Prevent this from happening to your business by planning ahead and making good choices if a disaster does hit. Read on to learn how to prepare for a hurricane, including the five key steps to hurricane preparedness, and how to plan for recovery in the case of aftermath.

5 Steps to Hurricane Preparedness for Business

Protect your business by implementing the five steps in this hurricane preparedness list:

Step #1 Develop a Pre-Hurricane Plan

Your company’s business resiliency program should incorporate emergency-related action plans that identify loss exposures. If hurricane loss applies to your business, be sure that you:

  • Have proper insurance coverage for both physical damage and business interruption
  • Establish written procedures for protecting all aspects of the business – including data, property and structures
  • Catalog and photograph valuables, equipment, and structures
  • Identify important records that may need to be moved in case of evacuation
  • Identify structural weaknesses and potential measures to address these, such as the use of boards or shutters and sandbags
  • Map out an evacuation route and check vehicle supply kits
  • Train employees how to prepare for hurricane protocols, including when to follow hurricane procedures, and safety precautions for using tools and equipment
  • Create an emergency supply kit – see www.ready.gov/kit for suggestions
  • Periodically confirm that your employee contact lists are current

Step #2 Test Plan Frequently

Once your plan is in place, test it often to make sure every aspect works and your employees know exactly what to do. Here are some suggested test exercises:

  • Walkthroughs, workshops and orientation seminars–designed to familiarize team members with their responsibilities identified in the hurricane preparedness plan
  • Tabletop exercises: discussion-based sessions where team members meet in an informal, setting to discuss their roles and responsibilities during an emergency
  • Functional exercises and scenario-driven drills, such as the failure of a critical business function or a specific hazard, aimed at validating plans and evaluating team member readiness

STEP #3 As a Hurricane Approaches

Unlike long-term preparations, certain plans should be implemented when a hurricane or severe weather is actually in the forecast. Bookmark hurricane emergency resources like the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) (NHC) website and The Weather Channel, as well as their official social media accounts. These are primary sources for forecasts, warnings, and advisories.

Consider the following hurricane readiness list to help you prepare your business in case of an imminent threat:

  • Secure doors and windows: shutter or board up windows as much as possible.
  • Clean out storm drains and catch basins, check drainage pumps where applicable.
  • Move vehicles and mobile equipment to a safe location.
  • Verify that fire protection equipment is operational.
  • Make sure important records are protected or ready to move off-site to a safe area.
  • Shut down production processes safely and turn off power to noncritical equipment. Critical equipment, such as sump pumps and fire pumps, should remain operational.
  • Shut off all flammable liquid, combustible liquid and gas lines in case a pipe breaks during the storm.

STEP #4 Evacuation Procedures

Your county’s Office of Emergency Management will know if your business is in an evacuation area and can provide updated maps with evacuation, routes and public shelters. Social media, especially Twitter, is also a great source of real-time information. In addition, get more info about various alert systems on the government’s Emergency Alerts website, www.ready.gov/alerts.

  • Once local officials have issued a call to evacuate, take the following with you:
    • Emergency supply kit
    • Important papers (or make sure they are in a safe place)
    • Maps and evacuation route information
    • Cell phone and charger

STEP# 5 Re-Entry and Damage Evaluation

After local authorities have indicated it’s safe to return to business, you should document all damage and losses using your records and any before and after photos and videos. Damage caused by a hurricane can result in new hazards such as structural damage, electrical exposures, and contaminated water supplies. Conduct the following when re-entering, evaluating, securing, and recovering the site:

  • Re-entering evacuated areas: wait for your storm-damaged area to be given the all-clear to enter by local authorities.
  • Evaluating your facility: look for obvious structural damage before attempting to enter a building and report any dangling power lines or broken water pipes to the utility company. Ensure all electrical outlets and appliances are dry before attempting to power them back on.
  • Securing the site: hire security or arrange for staff to monitor the property to avoid potential looting.
  • Recovering: be sure to document and report all damage to your insurance company. Contact local building inspection officials, if necessary.

 

Long-Term Hurricane Recovery

Moving forward, making sure you have a solid hurricane recovery plan in place can be almost as important as your hurricane readiness plan, and while rebuilding may seem daunting, try to focus on the positives. This is your chance to make changes you’ve always wanted to make and build back better and stronger.

Build Back Better

As you rebuild, consider ways to make your entire business more resilient against future storms or disasters. This might include:

  • Strengthening Infrastructure: To reinforce the physical structure of your business, consider upgrading with hurricane-proof materials like impact-resistant windows, flood barriers, and sturdy storm shutters.
  • Data and Systems Backup: If losing essential data is a possibility for the future, consider switching to cloud-based technology or off-site backups to protect crucial data.
  • Insurance Review: Take another look at your business insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate protection for potential storm-related damage, including business interruption coverage.

Choosing the Right Contractor to Rebuild

Finding a reliable contractor to handle repairs and cleanup is essential for getting your business back on track. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:

  • Do Your Research: Look for contractors with experience in disaster-related repairs. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from other local businesses, and verify that they have a solid track record of completing similar projects.
  • Verify Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that the contractor is properly licensed and insured to perform work in your area. This is crucial for both safety and legal protection in case anything goes wrong during the repair process.
  • Get Multiple Estimates: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Get at least two or three quotes to compare pricing, timelines, and the quality of materials they plan to use. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you avoid overpaying for repairs.
  • Beware of Scams: Unfortunately, after a disaster, some fraudulent contractors may try to take advantage of businesses in need. Be cautious of contractors who ask for large upfront payments or who pressure you into signing contracts on the spot. A reputable contractor will work with you on a payment schedule and ensure everything is clearly outlined in writing.
  • Ask About Their Response Time: After a hurricane, demand for contractors will be high, so it’s important to know how quickly they can start and complete the work. Ensure they have the resources and manpower to address your needs promptly without sacrificing quality.

Nobody likes to think about being in a natural disaster, especially business owners who have so much to lose. But preparing for a hurricane ahead of time and recovering smart could make the difference in whether a business survives this type of natural disaster or not. We hope you’ve found this guide helpful and now feel like you better understand how to get ready for a hurricane and what to do in case your business is ever affected by one.