Hurricanes can create widespread devastation and can have lasting effects on commercial properties. Hazards such as flooding, storm surges, and high winds can cause extreme damage to any size building. Proper planning and preparation can minimize the effects a hurricane can have on a commercial property.

Know the Risk

If your business is in a hurricane-prone area, assess your vulnerability to hurricane damage. Your vulnerability may be dependent on your location, the structure of your commercial property, and the nature of your business.

Throughout hurricane season and when a hurricane is on route, stay informed of weather conditions and emergency events. Monitor local weather reports, be aware of test or email alerting systems within your community and make sure you have a plan on how to stay informed in the case of a power outage.

Have a Workplace Emergency Plan

A Workplace Emergency Plan should be site-specific and tailored to the uniqueness of your business. It should contain clear roles and responsibilities for all employees. It should also have a map of the premises with clearly marked emergency exits and the location of fire protection and emergency equipment. You will also want to include a building evacuation plan that is regularly practised or displayed on the premises with specific attention paid to staff and customers who may need assistance. The plan should also contain each employee's personal information, including their name, date of birth, medical information, and emergency contact or next of kin.

Prepare a Business Continuity Plan

Prepare your business for a hurricane by conducting an impact analysis to identify any operational or financial impacts of a storm. Part of this continuity plan is to assess vulnerabilities, such as any previous structural damage that should be repaired. You should also identify operational and financial impacts that could occur if business is disrupted, i.e., how will you pay rent even though your business is closed for repairs?

Maintain Your Property

If flooding is likely to occur, stock sandbags that can be used around the perimeter of the building. You should also stock tools, hardware, plywood, rope, barricades and other appropriate building tools or equipment for use before and after a hurricane.

You should also make sure your property is in the best possible shape by:

- Sealing any openings, such as cracks that may allow water into the property.

- Trimming or removing any damaged trees and branches that could be affected by hurricane-strength winds.

- Secure loose rain guttering and clear them of any debris.

- Invest in and regularly check and repair generators, pumping equipment and mechanical areas.

- Check portable and emergency lighting to ensure it is in working order.

- Restock batteries, flashlights and lightbulbs.

Review and Update your Commercial Insurance

Make sure you have an up-to-date inventory of all property contents for insurance purposes. Invest in specialized insurance for losses caused by hurricanes or make sure that this is included in your existing commercial property policy. You will also want to make sure you have enough insurance coverage to repair or rebuild your property in its current state. Please review with your broker to ensure you have this coverage.

When it comes to protecting businesses from hurricane damage, most property owners assume their insurance policies provide adequate coverage. This is often not the case, making dedicated protection a must. For more information on your commercial property options, visit: https://www.otcinsurance.ca/commercial_property_insurance