With the potential for damaging winds and water, it is imperative that you and your business are prepared for a hurricane or other storm event. Please review the following suggestions, courtesy of Berkley Asset Protection, for protecting and mitigating the storm impact.
Planning
- Review property insurance with the company’s insurance agent concerning the hazards of a hurricane.
- Determine and establish written hurricane protective procedures for the business property and its contents.
- Inform key employees or essential staff of their specific responsibilities under the established hurricane procedures.
- If appropriate, establish an employee training program concerning your hurricane procedures.
- Specify conditions under which hurricane protective procedures may be implemented.
- Determine and acquire emergency protective equipment and supplies (e.g., heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, masking tape, sandbags, emergency generator, storm shutters, chain saw, large pieces of plywood, window storm shutters, hand tools and other essential items).
- Appoint an individual and designate an alternate to implement hurricane protective procedures.
- Establish plans for the protection of computer files (e.g., a backup system to secure data and safe storage).
- If appropriate, develop a system for the identification of employees (I.D. cards, vehicle permits, badges, etc.).
- If appropriate, inform all employees on when and how they will be notified to report back to work.
Preparedness
- Monitor a local radio or television station for official emergency information and instructions.
- Take photographs or video of business establishment inside and out, from all angles. This will help to document insurance claims later.
- Assemble insurance policies and financial records necessary to expedite quick settlement of claims; package in waterproof container.
- Make arrangements to pay employees, preferably in cash, as it may be some time before banking institutions are operational.
- Implement hurricane protective procedures as conditions warrant.
Building exterior
- Clean drains, gutters and downspouts of the buildings.
- Remove antennas or loose objects from the roof.
- Bring in display and other objects usually left outside. Secure all loose objects, such as trash cans, which might cause damage during strong winds.
- Remove outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
- If building has exterior glass frontage, clear out that section of the building as much as possible and use shutters or board up to protect glass. If you have no shutters or boards, strong masking or duct tape may be used. Tape in an “X” fashion on the inside of the glass to reduce shattering.
Building interior
- Move merchandise, equipment and furnishings away from windows and skylights to avoid water damage.
- Clear all desk, work areas and table tops of small loose objects.
- Take down all loosely secured pictures, plaques, etc.
- Box or place in desk drawers or storage cabinets any loose papers, books, hanging plants, etc.
- Relocate files, boxes, computers, office machines and other equipment to the innermost portion of the building.
NOAA weather radio
Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Monitor storm progress by watching or listening to local news broadcasts.
- National Hurricane Center at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Red Cross hurricane safety information
Be proactive! Develop a plan and execute!
For additional Loss Control tips, visit BerkleyAssetPro.com/Loss-Prevention. If you have questions, please contact Berkley Asset Protection at 212-922-0659 or marketing@berkleyassetpro.com.
Berkley Asset Protection, a Berkley Company, is dedicated to your safety and the protection of your business, assets and reputation. Stay safe and be assured that Berkley Asset Protection will be ready to assist in your time of need.
