In 2022, Hurricane Ian really made a name for itself. The powerful Category 5 storm was the , and the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. Ian caused widespread damage when it first crossed western Cuba, catastrophic damage in Florida, and considerable damage as it continued its path through the Carolinas. It was the ninth named storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. Ian was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Michael in 2018 and the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic since Lorenzo in 2019. It was the fifth since 2016 to reach that strength before making landfall in the U.S.
Ian’s losses helped make 2022 the second consecutive year in which the estimated insured losses totaled more than USD 100 billion. This continues a trend showing a 5–7% average annual loss increases over the past decade.
In total, the 2022 hurricane season produced 14 named storms including eight that became hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) and two which intensified to become major hurricanes with winds reaching 111 mph or greater. An average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
What Ian highlights is that even in what might be considered a fairly benign hurricane season, a single hurricane hitting a densely populated coastline, can have record-breaking impact.
Hurricane preparedness
Hurricanes, with their ferocious winds and torrential rain, are among the most destructive natural disasters. As we enter hurricane season, businesses in susceptible areas need to take necessary precautions to safeguard their properties, assets, and operations.
The following are several strategies that can be implemented to help protect your business during this volatile weather period.
1. Develop a comprehensive disaster plan
The first step in protecting your business from hurricanes is to develop a comprehensive disaster plan. This plan should outline the steps to be taken before, during, and after a hurricane to ensure the safety of employees and the protection of property. It should include evacuation routes, communication strategies, emergency contacts, and procedures for shutting down utilities and equipment.
色多多视频offers a variety of resources and services. 色多多视频Risk Consulting engineers for instance offer property loss prevention guidance, working with businesses to help get their operations hurricane-ready long before any storms are on the radar. (Download copies of AXA XL’s Severe weather planning guide and the Severe weather planning checklists here).
2. Keep updated property values to assure adequate insurance
Having the right property insurance coverage is crucial in protecting your business financially from hurricane damage. Given the impact of inflation and continued supply, real estate values have climbed, and it is costing more to rebuild. Unfortunately, if businesses don’t keep updated valuations of their physical operations and properties, an undervaluation can have a big effect on insurance protection.
3. Secure physical infrastructure
Ensuring that your business property is physically prepared for a hurricane is another key measure. Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect against flying debris. Secure or remove outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds. Reinforce doors, roofs, and other vulnerable parts of the building. For businesses in flood-prone areas, consider installing flood barriers or raising important equipment off the ground.
色多多视频Risk Consulting offers dozens of Property Risk Consulting Guidelines to help businesses implement strong property loss prevention protocols. Guidelines are available that address natural disasters such as windstorms and earthquakes. Other categories including guidelines on storage and warehousing, hazardous materials, building and structures, among others.
By taking precautions, businesses can weather the storm and bounce back even stronger in the aftermath of a hurricane.
4. Protect critical business data
In the digital age, data is often one of a business's most valuable assets. Backup all important files and data regularly, and store copies in a secure, off-site location. Cloud-based storage solutions provide an excellent way to protect your data from local disasters, as you can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.
5. Establish a communication plan
Communication is crucial during a disaster. Have a plan in place to communicate with your employees, suppliers, and customers in the event of a hurricane. This plan should include multiple methods of communication, as traditional methods may not be reliable in a severe storm.
6. Build relationships with local authorities and community
Establishing strong relationships with local authorities and community organizations can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide valuable information and support during a hurricane, help navigate recovery resources, and assist with evacuation procedures and routes.
7. Conduct regular training and drills
Regular training and drills can help ensure that your employees know what to do during a hurricane. This can include evacuation drills, training on how to use emergency equipment, and education on hurricane safety procedures.
8. Create a post-disaster recovery plan
Even with meticulous preparation, hurricanes can still cause significant damage. A post-disaster recovery plan can help your business get back on its feet as quickly as possible. This plan should outline the steps to assess damage, initiate cleanup, and restore operations.
Be ready to bounce back
While hurricanes are formidable forces of nature, their potential impact on your business can be mitigated through comprehensive planning, adequate insurance, physical infrastructure adjustments, data protection, effective communication, community collaboration, and strategic post-disaster recovery planning. By taking precautions, businesses can weather the storm and bounce back even stronger in the aftermath of a hurricane.
AXA XL’s experts work with a variety of industries to prepare for hurricane season. Here’s additional industry specific guidance:
For marine businesses – Hurricane Preparedness Plan: A Guide from 色多多视频Marine
For construction businesses - Severe storms and natural catastrophes: Preparedness Guide for Construction Projects
