by Brianna Crandall — June 6, 2018 — The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on June 1, and we have already experienced one named cyclone in what is expected to be a very active season, which runs through November 30, says the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Subtropical storm Alberto, which impacted areas from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest last week, is a strong reminder that now is the time for business owners and facilities managers (FMs) to prepare for tropical storms, devastating hurricanes and other severe summer weather. Guidance on how to strengthen your property and prepare for fierce summer storms is available from IBHS.
Roy Wright, CEO and president of IBHS, advised:
Before the next storm strikes, take a walk around your property. Look for and arrange repairs to loose shingles, siding or fencing. Trim trees away from your home and clear gutters and drains of debris so rain water can move away. These and other simple steps will help prepare your home or business and will save you time, energy, aggravation and money after the storm passes.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast calls for 10 to 16 named storms, with five to nine hurricanes. NOAA’s outlook indicated one to four hurricanes could become major (Category 3 or higher), with sustained winds in excess of 110 MPH. This follows 2017’s extremely active season, which resulted in more than $200 billion in property losses across the US.
Wright added:
Preparedness is the key to mitigating risks for everyone in hurricane-prone areas. Protect your property through maintenance and monitoring, and with flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. If you live or own property along any waterway, flood insurance is something you should strongly consider.
Wright also emphasized there is a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance policies to become effective for property owners after they are bound by your insurance carrier.
IBHS offers infographics and other resources to help business owners and managers prepare their properties for hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe summer storms.
Highlights of the storm and hurricane resources include:
- After Hurricanes Irma and Harvey: Recovery Resources and Safety Guidelines
- 2018 Hurricane Season
- IBHS Roofing the Right Way
- Reduce Hurricane Damage to Businesses
- Commercial High Wind Demonstration
- Water Intrusion Videos
- Wind Videos
- Reduce Lightning Damage to Businesses
IBHS Business Protection toolkits to plan for severe weather include:
- OFB-EZ (Open for Business) — Business Continuity Planning toolkit
- EZ-PREP — Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning toolkit for small businesses
Other Business Protection Resources include:
- Power Up with Commercial Generators
- Make Telecommuting Part of Your Business Continuity Plan
- Natural Hazard Damage Protection
- Commercial Maintenance
- Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
- Commercial Research
- FORTIFIED Standards
For additional information and resources, visit the IBHS website.
