When a hurricane watch is in effect, do you know what steps you should take to protect your business? The actions you take throughout every stage of the hurricane are crucial for reducing risks of damage to your company.
72 hours prior to a hurricane:
Event preparations
- Check roof, drains and piping; clear debris
- Check floor drams and sumps; clear debris
- Check storm water basins/gates; clear debris
- Ensure integrity of roof flashing, windows and window latches
- Use plywood to protect from flying objects
- Test backup power; top off fuel in generators and secure extra fuel for vehicles and generators
- Assemble supplies for emergency crews and emergency repairs
- Protect vital records and secure backups
- Inspect fire prevention equipment
- Move all vehicles to higher ground
Restaurant preparations
- Photograph the entire lot and restaurant and keep these photographs in a safe location
- Bring all key restaurant files, small office equipment and tools into the main office or temporarily relocate them to a safe location
- Postpone delivery of materials that cannot be adequately protected
- Band all loose materials, secure to floors, etc.
- Clean the site of loose debris, and materials
- Empty and secure all trash containers and remove trash from the site
- Cover all openings with plywood/shutters
- Alert all subcontractors and suppliers that the project site will be closed and off limits
After the hurricane:
Emergency recovery
- Conduct roll call of all personnel
- Assess damage and make temporary repairs
- Check for safety hazards (downed trees, branches, power lines, leaking gas, blocked drains
- Begin salvage operations
Assessment of Claims
- Review policy coverages, specifically Named Storm Wind deductible(s) per location
- Assessment of All damages
- Physical Damages – begin taking account of all physical damage by taking photos, videos, and starting a spreadsheet of specific damages per location. Keep all estimates or invoices, especially if repairs made or paid in cash
- Business Interruption (BI) – begin taking account of the time the store closes and re-opens due to covered cause of loss. Goal is trying to identify if store closure will exceed time deductible
- Once you’ve determined the loss damages (combine physical damage and BI) will exceed the deductible per location, call your agent to discuss next steps in filing a claim
Claims Management
- Photograph and document damage and send to your assigned insurance adjuster
- Complete a Damage Assessment for each Location (for those with more severe damage, complete a Online Damage Assessment)
- This is easiest via the Mobile App – Self-Survey Tool
- Check for safety hazards (downed trees, branches, power lines, leaking gas, blocked drains)
- Review and follow the guidelines in the Hurricane Claims Life-Cycle Document