10 Ways To Prepare Your Business For Hurricane Season

With summer approaching, plenty of warm days filled with nothing but wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies are sure to be in the forecast. At the same time, though, storm clouds of uncertainty loom on the horizon, representing the possibility that storm or hurricane activity could also be in the forecast.

While named storms have made landfall along the Atlantic coast within the last 10 years, the good news is that a strong hurricane hasn't hit the region over this period. The bad news? A strong Atlantic hurricane hasn't reached the mainland in over 10 years. In other words, we're more than overdue for a hurricane season that's rife with activity. As a business owner, this can spell disaster if you're caught flat-footed, having little time to take the appropriate precautions.

The eye of a hurricane is actually where a storm system is at its weakest.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can take proactive measures before June 1 - when hurricane season officially begins - that will help you prepare for whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeves in 2016. Here are a few of them from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative:

• Hire a professional roofer to determine if your company's roof needs to be reinforced or replaced.
• Consider installing features around the windows so storm shutters can be used when the need arises.
• Clear out a space to move valuable gear and equipment when a hurricane threatens.
• Evaluate your exterior property and trim any trees and/or branches that could become flying projectiles.
• Purchase flood insurance if you haven't already. Remember, flood insurance is separate from business owners insurance and usually doesn't go into effect until 30 days after purchase.
• Prepare a contact list so all employees can be made aware of violent weather.
• Make copies of important documents as backups in the event the originals are damaged or destroyed.
• Invest in an electric generator or learn how to use it, making sure the one you purchase is for commercial use.
• Fill canisters and storage containers with gasoline to fuel power equipment if the electricity goes out.
• Develop an emergency kit. Ideally, they should have 72 hours worth of water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies and batteries for flashlights and radio equipment. FEMA has a list of what other supplies to include, such as a manual can opener and toiletries.

Check out the National Hurricane Survival Initiative's website for additional ways to ready your property for hurricane season.

For information on coverage, visit The Insurance Centers site or contact Zita Santos-Martinez at 732-832-4132

Photo and article courtesy of Selective Insurance Group