As we enter another hurricane season, it’s important to acknowledge just how unpredictable and intense recent years have been. 2024 marked the ninth consecutive season of above-average activity, and all signs point to 2025 continuing that trend.
This year, forecasters are predicting 13-18 named storms where 7-10 are likely to become hurricanes and 3-5 could reach a Category 3 or higher. One growing concern is the increasing frequency of rapid intensification events, which are storms that dramatically strengthen just before landfall.
Given these forecasts, it is imperative that home and business owners take proactive steps now to safeguard their properties. Waiting until a storm is approaching is too late, as early action is the most effective way to reduce risk and protect lives and assets. For business owners in particular, hurricane preparedness is not just about protecting buildings—it’s also about ensuring the continuity of business operations, securing important records, and minimizing downtime that could impact employees, customers, and revenue.
Some key considerations for homeowners include:
1. Know Your Coverage:
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Locate and review your insurance policy thoroughly ensuring your home policy adequately covers hurricane-related damages
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Understand your deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits
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Traditional homeowner’s policy does not cover flooding. Ninety percent of all natural disasters include some type of flooding. Obtain separate flood coverage and consider excess flood.
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Proactively take photos or videos of your home’s interior/exterior for any future claims. Be aware of the different notice requirements within your policies
2. Prevent Wind and Water Damage to your Property:
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Install protective barriers like shutters or impact-rated windows
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Address any existing leaks in your roof, skylights, and chimneys
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Trim trees and remove branches that could pose a threat
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Secure outdoor furniture to minimize potential hazards during the storm
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Inspect your roof by checking for loose shingles or tiles
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Invest in a wind-rated garage door
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Invest in a Whole-Home Generator and extra fuel to keep your power on
3. Other Actionable Items to Consider:
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Creating an emergency plan
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Stock up on supplies
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Monitor weather forecasts
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Listen to hurricane evacuation orders
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Don’t leave your pets behind
Some key considerations for business owners include:
1. Review and Update Your Insurance Coverage
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Confirm that your property, flood, business interruption, and marine insurance policies are current and provide sufficient protection
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Understand your deductibles and coverage exclusions
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Document and photograph assets and inventory in case a claim is needed
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Store all insurance documents digitally and in a secure offsite location
2. Develop a Business Continuity Plan
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Set up remote work protocols where applicable
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Back up all digital data and ensure cloud access is available
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Plan for alternative communication methods with employees and customers
4. Prepare Your Team
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Assign a hurricane response coordinator or team
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Provide staff with a clear emergency communication plan
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Share evacuation procedures, safe shelter locations, and post-storm check-in protocols
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Ensure contact information is current for all employees
5. Communicate With Clients and Stakeholders
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Notify clients and partners of your hurricane preparedness efforts and any anticipated changes to service
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Set expectations around potential delays or closures
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Post updates on your website and social media
NSI emphasizes the importance of checking your insurance coverage before hurricane season. For guidance on insurance and risk management advice, contact our team of advisors at https://nsigroup.org/contact/.
