Essential Hurricane Season Prep for Commercial Properties

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is on the horizon, running from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity anticipated between mid-August and mid-October. With 2024’s season having brought 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes, it's clear that preparing for above-average storm activity is imperative for commercial property owners. Early and proper preparation can significantly reduce financial loss, operational downtime, and safety hazards.

Maintain Landscaping

Trim trees and clear loose debris around your property. Strong winds can turn untrimmed branches and scattered items into dangerous projectiles, posing a threat to your building and its surroundings.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Creating a business continuity plan is crucial. Ensure you have strategies for maintaining operations before, during, and after a hurricane. This includes strategies for communication, data backups, and alternative work arrangements for employees.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

It's essential to review your commercial property insurance to ensure it covers hurricane-related damages. Remember, flood damage typically requires a separate policy, so consider obtaining flood insurance if you haven't already.

Backup Power Supply

Invest in generators or alternative power sources to keep critical operations running during power outages. A backup power supply is vital in preventing operational disruptions during and after a storm.

Secure the Building

Inspect and reinforce the exterior of your buildings, including roofs, windows, and doors. Consider installing storm shutters or upgrading to impact-resistant glass for added protection against high winds and flying debris.

Protect Documents and Equipment

Store important documents and equipment in waterproof containers to avoid water damage. Ensuring their protection can save you a lot of headaches in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Prepare Your Employees

Educate your employees about hurricane preparedness. Share evacuation routes, emergency contact information, and safety procedures to ensure everyone knows what to do before, during, and after a storm.

Proactive hurricane preparation is crucial for the safety and continuity of commercial operations. By taking these steps, business owners can better protect their assets, employees, and operations, minimizing potential damage and ensuring a quicker recovery after a storm.