Resources, information, and links that will assist you in protecting your property and people in the event of a hurricane in your area.
Studies show that 40% of businesses do not open immediately after a disaster, and another 25% fail within one year.1 In hurricane-risk states (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TX), 59% of property owners reported suffering damages to their structures from a natural disaster in the last five years, according to a recent Nationwide survey. Half of those who sustained damage experienced interruption to their business, underscoring the need to plan for extreme weather events. The development and implementation of a proactive natural disaster preparedness program can help business owners minimize the devastating effects caused by disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
A fast-moving hurricane can cause wind damage up to 150-miles inland, while tornados imbedded in these storms add to the degree of damage. Slow moving storms have a tendency towards flash-flooding and long-term flooding. Before disaster strikes, a plan to ensure business continuation should be developed to minimize negative impact in the face of a natural disaster. As the Atlantic Tropical Storm and Hurricane Season is intensifying, consider incorporating these key preparation suggestions.
Hurricane preparation steps
Prepare a plan
Set up an emergency response plan and train employees how to carry it out. Compile a list of contacts to include local and state emergency management agencies, major customers, contractors, suppliers, financial institutions, and insurance agency partners.
Build a severe weather emergency plan tailored to your business
Develop and implement a plan that outlines items you need during the emergency. Identify critical business activities and the resources needed to support them. Mitigation measures to consider include boarding up windows and doors, placing sandbags outside building openings, and installing a backup power system to keep all critical assets working.
Secure all business facilities
Take the necessary precautions to protect the property as well as the contents into your plan. Determine what is required to run the business at another location. Find alternative facilities, equipment, supplies, and consider a reciprocity agreement with another business.
Monitor the storm and its progress
Depending on your state, check these helpful websites and your local weather forecast often for an idea of what to expect from a hurricane and when. You’ll also find timely information including evacuation notices/orders and links to county-specific announcements:
Keep our claims hotline number handy
Nationwide claims representatives and agents are prepared to assist the businesses we insure should a hurricane become a weather-related disaster. We have people and resources in place to respond to your needs. If you experience storm damage, call the Nationwide claims hotline 24/7 at 1-800-421-3535 or contact your local agent.
Other resources
Below are additional Risk Management & Client Services resources that will assist you in preparation for an imminent hurricane, as well as recovery after the storm leaves the area:
[1] https://www.iii.org/article/when-disaster-strikes-preparation-response-and-recovery/
