As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it's crucial for commercial property owners to prioritize preparedness. The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October. Given the 2024 season's statistics—18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes—businesses must be vigilant. Ongoing trends of above-average storm activity emphasize the need for proactive protection of properties, employees, and operations. Preparation now can significantly reduce financial loss, operational downtime, and safety hazards.

Secure the Building

Start by inspecting and reinforcing the exterior of your building. Ensuring that roofs, windows, and doors can withstand high winds and flying debris is critical. Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant glass for extra protection against the elements.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Understanding your commercial property insurance is vital. Verify that your policy covers hurricane-related damages. Remember, flood damage is often excluded from standard policies, so obtaining a separate flood insurance policy may be necessary to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Your business continuity plan should encompass strategies to maintain operations before, during, and after a hurricane. This includes establishing internal communication channels, backing up critical data, and planning alternative work arrangements to ensure employee safety and operational continuity.

Backup Power Supply

Investing in generators or alternative power sources is essential to maintain critical operations during power outages. This will help ensure that your business can continue to function despite storm-induced power disruptions.

Protect Documents and Equipment

Store crucial equipment and documentation in waterproof containers to safeguard them from potential water damage. This proactive step can prevent data loss and equipment damage during flooding.

Maintain Landscaping

Trim trees and eliminate loose debris around the property to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds. Well-maintained landscaping can play a significant role in reducing potential damage from flying debris.

Prepare Your Employees

Ensure your employees are well-informed about hurricane preparedness. Educate them about evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures to promote safety and readiness among your staff.

Starting hurricane preparations early is crucial for commercial properties. By taking these proactive measures, business owners can protect their assets, employees, and operations. Remember, preparedness is the key to minimizing damage and ensuring a quicker recovery after a storm.