Business Hurricane Preparedness

The National Weather Service suggests that business owners check their policies to see if they have flood and wind insurance coverage for their property. To keep your business and all of its assets from getting “washed away” in a hurricane, let MaximGroup give you the tips and coverage you need to successfully weather the storm.

	Assess the physical characteristics of the building or office. How can it be made more secure to withstand a large, severe storm?
	Identify areas most vulnerable, and least vulnerable, to damage from a hurricane (wind, rain, rising water) or other catastrophe.
	Determine steps to minimize damage, such as pre-cut plywood sections for windows, sandbags around doorways, applications of fire retardants, equipment removal, etc.
	Identify which items of equipment, furniture, records, and supplies could be moved to safer portions of the office, or to off-premises locations.
	Consider the need to elevate certain items off the floor if rising water is a serious threat. Procure the equipment needed, such as blocks of wood or concrete. Smaller items can be stored on desks, or in restrooms, which are usually interior, windowless rooms.
	Be prepared to secure all files, manuals and records. Tape cabinets and drawers shut.
	Cover all equipment, furniture, file cabinets, and storage containers for records with plastic (such as visquine or garbage bags) and tape tightly.
	Before leaving, unplug all electrical items.
	Copy or duplicate all computer records and store them offsite in a secure location. Regularly back up payroll, tax, accounting, production records, customer lists, etc.
	Keep hardcopy records of important documents such as insurance policies or lease agreements, in a secure off-site location.
	Call your insurance agent to confirm coverage for major perils.
	Register with CSR24 service.

Get in contact with your insurance agent as quickly as possible. Let him/her know about your losses, if any.

Make only repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business, including covering breaks in a roof, walls or windows with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material. Do not have permanent repairs made without first consulting your agent. UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS MAY NOT BE REIMBURSED. Keep all receipts for expenditures you’ve made to repair damage or to estimate the extent of your damage.