Hurricanes can cause a major business interruption. Having a comprehensive business continuity plan is essential to help mitigate your risk and safeguard your employees' wellbeing before and after a hurricane.

Planning for your business's safety before a hurricane

The time to start talking with your Gallagher representative is before hurricane season begins in late spring. It's critical to understand what's covered under your current property policy, update existing property schedules and secure the appropriate coverage if needed.

To help you prepare for a hurricane, we've put together the Hurricane Preparedness Checklist. Because flooding often accompanies a hurricane, also see our Flood Preparedness Checklist.

Emergency response team and business continuity planning for hurricane preparedess

Protect your employees and business by having a hurricane disaster plan in place.

Know what to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued

Understand the difference between a watch and a warning:

  • A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Listen for updates.
  • A hurricane warning means a hurricane is in your area or will be in your area soon. Evacuate if advised to do so.

Hurricane watch

We recommend taking the following actions when a hurricane watch is issued.

  • Secure loose exterior items.
  • Inspect all roofs. Repair cracks, leaks, flashing and loose shingles.
  • Have branches near buildings removed.
  • Forward business phone lines to an alternate number.
  • Contact your security company to review contracted security procedures for before and after the storm.
  • Have a backup power system to keep all critical security assets working, including cameras and alarms.
  • Request that essential staff members report to the property as soon as a hurricane watch is announced.
  • Review the Disaster Supply List.
  • Update and distribute emergency phone lists to employees and establish a phone tree for employees to report their activities and get updates on the status of the business.
  • Contact anyone who might need help evacuating.

Hurricane warning

Once a hurricane warning is issued, time will be of the essence, and you may need to evacuate if instructed by local authorities. In addition to the preparations above for the hurricane watch, follow these steps in the event of a hurricane warning.

  • Secure windows with plywood.
  • Sandbags exterior doors.
  • Reinforce doors for the office, shop, utility rooms and storage rooms.
  • If the building has a swimming pool, lower the pool depth, secure the pump room and turn off the pool pump.
  • Shut down elevators and secure cabs on the top floor.
  • Place files in waterproof containers labeled with the property name and address. Another option is to move files from low file cabinet drawers to higher drawers. Lock the cabinets, strap them down and seal with tape.
  • Store keys and key codes, money and securities in secure offsite locations. Maintain petty cash for authorized staff to use after the storm.
  • Back up data and store offsite. Cover computers with waterproof bags and seal with tape.
  • Unplug all electrical cords and turn off circuit breakers.
  • Turn off gas lines.
  • Store images and videos of inventory and assets in the Cloud.
  • Instruct employees to charge all mobile phones, tablets and hand held-held radios and to keep the devices in their possession.
  • Communicate critical information about the storm's progress and safe evacuation routes to employees through all appropriate channels, including text messages, office address system, phone, push notifications, social media and email.
  • Assist all staff, especially those with disabilities and special needs, to move to designated safe-sheltering areas.

Filing a commercial insurance claim

When your local agencies or emergency personnel say it's safe to return to your business, you can begin your post-hurricane recovery measures. Take photos and/or videos of the damage and inspect the facility for structural damage.

Provide the inspection information to your Gallagher broker or claims advocate.

It's important that your Gallagher broker or claims advocate receive this information as quickly as possible.

CLAIMS CONTACTS FOR COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

Starting a commercial insurance claim for hurricane damage

The claims advocate must have as much detail as possible to initiate a commercial insurance claim and begin an investigation. If possible, provide before and after photos or videos.

Claims process for commercial insurance: What to expect

Throughout the claim investigation process, you may have various coverage-related questions. Please reach out to your Gallagher advocate with specific policy and claim questions. During this high-volume claim-reporting period, you should anticipate the following:

  • The adjuster assignment and initial contact may take some time. Some insurers may use adjusters under contract rather than staff adjusters, so the adjuster's contact information may be different from expected.
  • Access to the affected areas may be limited for some time after the hurricane.
  • Competition for labor and materials may be high, which could affect the timeframe and costs associated with repair and remediation.
  • Work closely with your adjuster. If you have questions regarding the resolution process, your Gallagher advocate is here to assist and ensure you're in control of the claim process.

Your policy and your insurance company's website have important information about how to handle claims and manage losses. To summarize your policy details, use the Policy and Claim Reporting Information Directory.