THE 2024 HURRICANE SEASON IS PREDICTED TO BE VERY ACTIVE. ASCOT LOSS CONTROL IS HERE TO HELP CLIENTS MITIGATE RISK BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE STORM.

Despite just one hurricane making landfall in the U.S. in 2023, the season still ranked 4th for the most named storms in a year since 1950, with the Atlantic basin experiencing a total of 20 named storms. And on deck for 2024, current predictions are showing one of the most active seasons on record.

With June 1, the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, just around the corner, and NOAA issuing the highest-ever hurricane forecast they have ever predicted in May, it is crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to safeguard their assets and employees. Our Ascot Claims and Loss Control professionals have compiled the following tips to help commercial business owners protect their property and their people before, during, and after a storm.

BEFORE THE STORM

Know your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a problem if you live or work on the coast. As storms make landfall and move inland, heavy rain, wind, flooding and even tornados are possible. NOAA’s “Determine Your Risk” tools can help property owners determine their risk and prepare accordingly.

Make an Emergency Plan

Ensure that your business has a hurricane preparedness plan. Find resources, toolkits and sample plans here.

Review your plan regularly to ensure it remains up to date.

Establish Relationships for a Smooth Recovery Identify reputable contractors, restoration services, and suppliers to assist in the recovery process.

Sign up for Alerts and Warnings

There are several ways to stay informed about pending storms, including the National Weather Service, FEMA, and community alerts in your area. Consider signing up for both national and local alert services to stay fully informed.

Protect Your Property

Remove or secure any items that can be potential projectiles during a storm and reinforce doors and windows with storm shutters or plywood to protect against flying debris.

Review your insurance policies and secure any other important documents that may be needed during or after the storm (e.g. contact information for employees, suppliers, etc.).

Regularly back up any critical data and ensure it can be accessed remotely. Test any backup generators or power supplies to ensure they will operate as designed.

Learn more about how to best ready your business for a hurricane using this FEMA link.

Confirm Communication Systems

Establish a notification system to quickly communicate updates and instructions to all team members.

Advise employees to charge mobile phones and power banks and remind them of who they can contact for information once the storm passes.

Stock Critical Supplies

Confirm that there is enough non-perishable food, drinking water, and necessary medications, as well as personal hygiene items, necessary PPE and first aid kits, for employees and customers who may be on-site.

DURING THE STORM

Seek shelter and/ or evacuate if advised to by local authorities.

Stay informed and monitor local weather broadcasts for any updates on the path of the storm.

AFTER THE STORM

Do not enter your building/location until it is safe to do so, and local authorities declare the surrounding area safe to enter.

Try to utilize text messaging to communicate if emails and phone calls are affected by network congestion or poor cellular service.

Stay away from any downed power lines or roads covered with water or debris.

Survey for any damage. Take photos and make any necessary repairs to prevent further damage to your property. Document all costs related to storm clean up, including emergency services, internal labor costs,. temporary repairs and restoration.

Contact your insurance broker or agent to review your damages and discuss any potential claim(s).

Contact David A. Larson, U.S. Head of Loss Control & Risk Management, to learn more about our loss control capabilities. Visit ascotgroup.com for more information about our specialty insurance solutions.

Claim Notification

To submit a claim to Ascot U.S., please contact:

Email: USclaims@ascotgroup.com | Toll-Free Number: 1-833-454-3023 Claims may be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Loss prevention consultation services (“Services”) are provided on behalf of insurance company affiliates within the Ascot US group of insurers. Services are intended to assist the policyholder or contracted firms with the mitigation or elimination of potential loss producing situations. Any information provided is not intended as legal advice or legal counsel and is not intended to assure compliance with or complete analysis of any law, rule, or regulation. There is no warranty, express or implied, that all potential hazards and conditions have been evaluated or identified or that potential hazards are safely controlled. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and some may be available in the United States only on a surplus line basis through licensed surplus line brokers. The publication and delivery of the information contained herein is not intended as a solicitation for the purchase of insurance on any US risk.

California Surplus Lines License: Ascot General Insurance Agency, Inc. License #: 0K61371.