To minimize the impact of hurricanes on your business it is crucial to develop a plan, identify priorities, train employees, and review insurance coverage. Here are helpful tips in order to prepare your business in the event of a hurricane.

Protect Important Documents and Information

•  Identify important contacts to save that are crucial to business operations, such as your insurance agent, employees, banks, lawyers, accountants, suppliers, etc.
• Back-up documents that are not easily produced such as insurance policies, legal contracts, tax returns, and accounting statements to avoid water damage.
• Seal these documents in waterproof containers on-site and make an electronic backup.
• Save all your designated contacts and documents in an alternate, accessible off-site location.

Create a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

This list of items will help you protect the safety of your employees in the event of a hurricane during regular working hours:

• Driver’s license, health insurance card, any other form of ID
• Take photos or video of the exterior and interior of your home and business
• Battery operated radio or television
• Non-perishable three-day food supply for you and your employees
• Three-day supply of water for you and your employees
• Three-day supply of all medications
• Coolers and containers for water and washing
• Blankets, pillows, cots, and chairs
• First Aid Kit and first aid manual
• Flashlights, batteries, light-sticks
• Tool kit (basic tools, gloves, etc.)
• Whistle/signal flare to signal for help
• Tarps, plastic bags, duct tape
• Cleaning supplies, including mops, towels and garbage cans
• Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
• Electric generator
• Gas for vehicles, generators and other equipment
• Cash, ATM cards, credit cards, and proper identification
• Emergency contact information such as the nearest hospital and police, along with:
  • Life safety issues: 9-1-1
  • Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-359-2227
  • FEMA Tele-registration hot-line: 1-800-462-9029
  • Your insurance company and agent’s contact information

If Damages Occur…

If your business sustains damage in the event of a natural disaster, report issues to your insurance agency immediately. At Paul’s Agency, our qualified claims department is with you every step of the way through the claims process, no matter the complexity. We recognize the investment your business makes in insurance, and our commitment is to always be on your side. In our area, we are no stranger to catastrophic events, both natural and man-made. Key personnel will be available to quickly assess your situation when needed and start the claims process as soon as possible after an event.

Be sure to:

• Preserve all damaged items until you speak with your insurance company adjuster
• Take photos of all damaged property
• Take necessary steps to prevent further damage without jeopardizing your own safety