Simple Steps to Protect Your Business From
Windstorm Damage

You don’t have to be located in Tornado Alley or a hurricane zone to experience the devastation of high winds. A prime example was an unseasonable windstorm that hit Ohio in mid-February, 2009, causing nearly $89 million dollars in damage throughout the state. According to the Ohio Insurance Institute, businesses reported 3,100 claims totaling $11.1 million.

High velocity winds can damage your business property, including your vehicles, in a matter of minutes because it’s impossible to predict the timing, strength and potential damage of any storm. A few preventative measures, along with windstorm insurance , can help lower the risk of damage to your property and save money in repairs and lost productivity.

It’s good business sense to make wind proofing your business a part of your scheduled program of property inspection and maintenance. Nationwide agents and loss control specialists from around the United States recommend checking these elements of your building and property:

Windstorm protection checklist

Learn useful ways to protect your business from wind damage and minimize repercussions of storms, like repairs, lost time and other expenses.

Roof

• Shingles should meet or exceed the local building code, and be rated high for wind and impact resistance. Make sure shingles are snugly nailed down and fitted tightly together • Inspect the roof sheathing to ensure it is securely nailed to avoid sections being peeled off by winds.
• Make sure the connection between the roof and walls is tight to avoid updrafts lifting off the roof.
• Check that HVAC units, skylights and pipes are tightly affixed and won’t be blown off.

Walls and doors

• Is the building well sealed to prevent wind from getting in cracks and crevices and causing interior damage?
• Check all siding and windows to ensure they are tightly attached.
• All entry doors should be triple hinged and secured with a deadbolt lock for maximum windstorm protection.
• Overhead doors should be able to withstand high winds and braced sufficiently.

Outdoor areas

• Storage sheds and outbuildings should be securely anchored.
• Evaluate everything you have stored outside, such as equipment, inventory and supplies, and make sure these are anchored or can be easily moved inside if a storm approaches.
• Make sure dumpsters, outdoor lighting fixtures and fencing are secured. Strong windstorms can pick up items, such as waste receptacles, and turn them into destructive missiles.
• Are there large shrubs and trees close to your building? Make sure they are healthy and pruned to prevent large limbs or whole trees from falling onto your building.
• Outdoor signage should be tightly anchored and secure, and designed to withstand the weather in your region. Check with your insurer to see if your sign is included in your property insurance or if you need an endorsement to cover it.
• Ensure your commercial property insurance covers any damage to your building or other business property caused by a windstorm.

Vehicles and fleet

• If possible, store any vehicles inside a garage or storage building.
• Never park vehicles under a tree if a storm approaches.
• If you must park vehicles outdoors, be aware of things that could cause damage such as branches, lampposts and power lines.
• If a windstorm approaches, consider sending fleet vehicles home with approved drivers for the business to dilute the risk of damage.

Find a Nationwide agent in your area to learn more about business property insurance coverage and how to add windstorm protection. Request a free quote today!