Hurricane season poses significant risks to commercial properties. Having a comprehensive checklist ensures that critical steps are not overlooked, protecting your assets, employees, tenants, and business operations. Beyond physical precautions, legal, financial, and insurance measures are essential to safeguard your business and preserve your rights under your policies.
1. Protect Your Physical Property
- Install hurricane shutters or board up windows.
- Secure rooftop equipment and any loose exterior items.
- Inspect and clear gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to prevent flooding.
- Elevate or relocate inventory to minimize water damage.
- Review building maintenance logs and promptly repair any structural issues.
2. Backup Data and IT Systems
- Backup all business-critical data off-site or in a secure cloud system.
- Ensure servers are elevated or flood-protected.
- Test emergency communication systems and confirm remote access for employees.
- Consider redundant power sources to maintain IT operations during outages.
3. Employee and Tenant Safety
- Develop and communicate a clear evacuation plan.
- Assign roles and responsibilities to staff members for emergency procedures.
- Conduct brief training sessions to familiarize employees with safety protocols.
- Designate assembly points and communication channels for tenants and staff.
4. Review Insurance and Legal Documents
- Confirm coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions for wind, flood, and business interruption.
- Document the property’s pre-storm condition with photos or video for claims purposes.
- Keep all insurance policies, leases, and contracts accessible in a secure location.
- Identify a lawyer or claims consultant who can assist immediately after a storm.
5. Emergency Supplies and Resources
- Stock generators, fuel, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits.
- Keep sandbags or temporary flood barriers ready for deployment.
- Maintain updated emergency contact lists, including local authorities, contractors, and insurance representatives.
- Plan for temporary business relocation if necessary.
A thorough hurricane preparedness checklist protects your commercial property, employees, and tenants while reducing potential financial and legal complications. Proactive planning—including structural reinforcement, data backups, insurance review, and legal consultation—can minimize losses and streamline claims after a storm. Consulting experienced legal counsel before hurricane season ensures coverage gaps are identified and agreements are in place to protect your business in the event of a hurricane.
