As winter’s chill gives way to the unpredictability of spring, businesses must proactively prepare for a range of weather-related challenges. From heavy rains and severe thunderstorms to the threat of tornadoes, the season demands a comprehensive approach to ensure safety and continuity. , the United States experienced 27 weather and climate disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages but, by proactively preparing for these events, businesses can reduce disruptions, help protect employees, and ensure a swift recovery when disaster strikes.

Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

A well-developed emergency plan is critical for navigating severe weather events.

Identify and Label Critical Shut-off Valves: Ensure all water, gas, and sprinkler shut-off valves are clearly marked and that employees are trained on their locations and operation.

Regularly Update Your Business Continuity Plan: , nearly 25% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, making a strong continuity plan essential to long-term recovery. Disruptions to your business can bring operations to a standstill, but with the right preparation, you can keep things moving. Implementing a ensures you remain resilient, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

Conduct Routine Emergency Drills: Routine emergency drills further reinforce preparedness by ensuring employees know how to respond in high-pressure situations. not only enhances safety but can also boost employee confidence in handling emergencies effectively.

Conduct Comprehensive Cleaning and Maintenance

A thorough spring cleaning can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant problems during severe weather.

Landscaping and Tree Care: Landscaping should monitored, as overgrown trees and shrubs close to buildings can cause serious damage during high winds. Keep them trimmed to help mitigate the risk of power outages and property damage.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Spring brings increased rainfall, making plumbing and drainage systems particularly vulnerable. Clogged drains and leaky pipes can lead to flooding, mold growth, and expensive repairs. , water damage is a leading cause of structural deterioration in buildings, making regular inspections of plumbing systems a necessity.

Evaluate Walkways and Exterior Areas: Exterior areas such as sidewalks, parking lots, and roofing should be evaluated for damage caused by winter weather. Ensure that fire protection systems, including alarms and emergency lighting, are in working order to safeguard against potential hazards during a storm.

Looking Ahead

Preparing your business for spring weather is not just about avoiding inconvenience鈥攊t鈥檚 about safeguarding employees, reducing financial risks, and ensuring long-term stability. Stay ahead of the storm by prioritizing safety, reinforcing resilience, and equipping your team with the tools they need to face any challenge.

For more expert insights and actionable strategies, visit our Risk Management page.

These are just a few of the harsh realities that businesses may face in the event of a major emergency. Natural disasters can strike at any moment, posing a serious threat to the survival of your business. However, the key to weathering such storms lies in proactive planning and preparation. Businesses that bounce back quickly from disasters are those that have meticulously planned ahead. They know precisely what steps to take when disaster strikes, and perhaps most importantly, they’ve invested in the right insurance coverage to fund their recovery efforts. In the face of uncertainty, preparation is not just prudent鈥攊t’s essential for survival.

Assessing the Risks

Understanding the unique risks posed by natural disasters is the first step in building resilience. into flood-prone areas, guiding businesses to assess their vulnerability. According to FEMA, floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, with an average of $8.2 billion in damages annually. Consider downloading , where you can receive real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.

Crafting a Disaster Recovery Blueprint

that 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, underscoring the urgency of preparedness. A robust serves as a lifeline during turbulent times, encompassing proactive measures and swift response strategies.

Central to any resilience strategy is a robust disaster recovery plan that outlines clear steps for response and recovery in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Duplicate record-keeping, off-site data storage, and meticulous documentation of critical business activities and resources are essential elements of an effective recovery plan. Moreover, identifying alternative facilities, equipment, and suppliers, and establishing emergency response protocols are integral components of disaster preparedness. By developing a comprehensive recovery roadmap and empowering employees with the tools and training they need to execute it, businesses can minimize downtime, mitigate losses, and expedite the path to recovery.

Rigorous Emergency Response

In the chaotic aftermath of a disaster, swift and decisive action is paramount to preserving life, limiting property damage, and ensuring continuity of operations. Establishing an , and conducting regular drills to familiarize employees with their roles and responsibilities are critical steps in preparedness.

From notifying authorities and evacuating the premises to securing essential supplies and communications, a well-executed emergency response plan can mean the difference between chaos and control in the face of adversity. Investing in duplicate record-keeping and off-site data storage, is also a key measure in ensuring continuity even in the face of data loss or infrastructure damage. By prioritizing preparedness and equipping employees with the knowledge and resources they need to respond effectively, businesses can navigate the challenges of disaster with confidence and resilience.

Fortifying Insurance Coverage

Insurance serves as a financial safety net in the aftermath of a disaster, but adequate coverage is paramount. FEMA highlights that of businesses lack sufficient insurance coverage for natural disasters, leaving them vulnerable to substantial losses. From covering the costs of property damage and business interruption to reimbursing for additional expenses incurred during the restoration period, comprehensive insurance coverage provides the financial security needed to weather the storm. Property insurance policies should be meticulously reviewed and supplemented with flood insurance, particularly for businesses located in high-risk areas. By regularly reviewing and updating their insurance policies, businesses can ensure they have adequate coverage to protect against the indirect costs of disasters and facilitate a swift and seamless recovery.

Looking Ahead

Preparing for natural disasters demands proactive planning, collaboration, and resource mobilization. By heeding the insights from authoritative sources and leveraging available resources, businesses can fortify their resilience and navigate the turbulent waters of natural calamities.

Embracing a culture of preparedness and investing in risk mitigation measures not only safeguards businesses but also fosters long-term sustainability. As businesses embark on their journey to weather the storm, they emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to confront future challenges head-on.

91黑料网 has a robust catalog for natural disasters, driven by a cohesive team of passionate specialists. Check out our complete library of hurricane preparedness resources.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in this article are for general informational purposes only. 

As winter weather approaches, property owners face unique challenges that can impact the safety and integrity of their buildings. From frozen pipes, to fires from heating appliances, to potential roof damage, winter weather poses various risks that can lead to costly insurance claims. Proactive measures not only enhance safety and maintenance of the buildings but can also reduce the likelihood of claims.

All businesses should be prepared, even in areas where sustained below-freezing temperatures are considered unusual. The past century has seen an increase in severe winter weather, according to the . Winter Storm Elliot, for example, caused death and destruction in 20 U.S. States and damages from Canada well into Florida and the Gulf Coast States in 2022. The financial impact of this storm is estimated at $5.4 billion in insurance losses. In 2021, the resulted in policyholder losses that exceeded $15 billion after homes and businesses were left without water and power for days.

The best way to combat unpredictable storms is to prepare now. Before cold weather hits, business owners should walk through the facility to conduct a thorough risk assessment for winter weather threats. This involves identifying potential hazards such as inadequate insulation, aging roofs, or faulty heating systems. Addressing these issues before winter arrives can significantly reduce the risk of damage.

WINTER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

Winter preparedness for commercial properties is a shared responsibility and by emphasizing risk assessment, proactive maintenance, and effective emergency planning, the potential for winter-related claims can be significantly reduced.

A Winter Preparedness Checklist can help business owners troubleshoot winter weather hazards and be better prepared in the event of a storm. The list emphasizes preplanning and evaluation of the roofing, HVAC, and plumbing systems.

Learn more about preventing winter-related property risks by reaching out to your 91黑料网 risk management consultant or riskmanagement@amerisure.com.

Closely resembling 2004鈥檚 Hurricane Charley鈥檚 wind speed, pressure, location, and landfall time, the storm differentiated itself from Charley and a recent lineup of Gulf hurricanes in diameter (~290 miles) and speed (~8-9 mph). This combination led to record-breaking storm surges of over 7鈥� in downtown Fort Myers and nearly 14鈥� at Fort Myers Beach.

Aerial images of a missing Sanibel Causeway, boatless marinas, sand in place of homes, and ground images of rooftops surrounded by water and piles of cars, boats, and their broken pieces illustrated that in days, this storm set off a recovery effort of years for the many affected areas. Hurricane Ian was estimated to have caused 鈥� the third most costly U.S. hurricane on record following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

As we recognize the anniversary of Hurricane Ian, and the Florida area repairs from Hurricane Idalia, read on to hear from 91黑料网鈥檚 local experts on the company鈥檚 preparedness strategy and specific response to hurricanes for policyholders, agency partners and the Florida community.

How Does 91黑料网 Plan for Hurricanes?

With offices across the country, 91黑料网 has a plan in place to prepare in advance for disasters.

鈥淲e have a multidisciplinary Hurricane Operations team that initiates engagement when a hurricane threat is projected to hit one of our operating states,鈥� said Anne Marie May, 91黑料网鈥檚 regional vice president of Risk Management in Tampa, Florida.

鈥淭he objectives of each operations meeting are to execute our emergency response protocol, including internal and external communications, employee safety, and continuance of business operations. The team is comprised of leadership from operations such as Claims, Underwriting, Risk Management, Building Facilities, IT, Marketing and Human Resources. We monitor the storm鈥檚 progress along with our company鈥檚 potential exposure to damages.鈥�

鈥淒uring Hurricane Ian, employees located in flood zones had to evacuate and a majority of us lost power intermittently. Our business continuity efforts allowed work to be sent to other 91黑料网 operations so business processes were not interrupted,鈥� said May. 鈥淗urricane Idalia closed our Florida for two days in accordance with county requirements and flooding. We relocated our claims operations out of state and employees who had power worked remotely. When operations resumed at the location and the office reopened, we informed our agency partners.鈥�

Local Support from 91黑料网

91黑料网鈥檚 Corporate Property Claims Manager, Rick Powell, visited several policyholders after Hurricane Ian, getting a firsthand look at the impact on their clients鈥� businesses.

鈥淲e visited everyone with damaged property sites. We were there to reiterate that 鈥榳e are here for you to help put you back together,鈥� Powell said.

Powell made sure any questions policyholders had were answered, including coverages, timelines, and what happens next. A claims process would begin soon; the visits and conversations aimed to make the whole claims process a little easier on the business side.

鈥淭he hurricane passed within 30 miles of my house鈥� Because I was so close, I was able to go down there right away,鈥� said Powell, explaining that as 91黑料网 claims team members like him receive claims, they make contact as quickly as possible.

鈥淥ur goal is to make contact the same day we get the claim 鈥� same-day contact in interviewing the policyholders, finding out the damage, and explaining to them the coverages.鈥�

Helping Other Businesses Prepare

鈥淓very company needs to plan ahead for disasters,鈥� said May. 鈥淭his includes having a detailed Emergency Response / Business Continuity plan along with periodic safety drills. It takes a village to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of a disaster. 

鈥淎s an insurance carrier in the state of Florida, we know hurricanes will happen,鈥� said May. 鈥淲e expect this, plan for its impact and complete practice drills to identify any gaps. This way, we remain prepared to support our customers, policyholders and employees in times of emergency.鈥�

LEARN MORE

91黑料网 has a robust catalog for natural disasters, driven by a cohesive team of passionate specialists. Check out our complete library of hurricane preparedness resources.

But did you know that PPE is just as important for workers who are performing their role in cold environments?

Employees who are exposed to the chilly outdoors are at risk of cold stress. Cold stress can be caused by cold temperatures, high and/or cold wind, dampness, and cold water. It occurs from and ultimately the body鈥檚 internal temperature 鈥� and can lead to serious or even life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 200 occupational injuries and illnesses resulted from 鈥渆nvironmental cold鈥� conditions in 2020. In climates with colder months, it鈥檚 important to consider specific protective equipment that crew members should wear to help reduce the chance of cold stress.

PPE for Winter Safety

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers should consider protective clothing that provides warmth for teams working in cold conditions. These items may include:

• Protection for extremities: gloves, wool socks, scarves, hat
• Loose fitting and lightweight layers (at least three)
• Water repellent, hooded jackets, raincoats, parkas
• Insulated, anti-slip boots or shoes
• UV eye protection 鈥�

Watching for Wind Chill

Wind chill temperature measures the rate of heat loss from the human body and the impact of cold on exposed skin. The showcases when wind chill reaches a critical level and provides information on wind chill for various air temperatures and wind speeds.

For more information about wind chill safety and prevention, read 91黑料网鈥檚 Safety Bulletin.

Winter Safety Best Practices

Employers should train teams on how to prevent and recognize cold stress and apply first aid treatment. In addition to protective equipment, environmental controls such as shielding work areas should be part of protocol. Workers who are facing winter conditions should also consider implementing a 鈥渂uddy system鈥� to help workers keep an eye out for the warning signs of cold stress among their teammates.

is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. For businesses, this observance provides a great time to consider specific risks that could impact employee safety and develop your own preparedness plan.

According to businesses can face a variety of potential hazards related to natural disasters, health concerns, technology-related risks and accidents caused by humans. There are simple steps to create and implement an emergency preparedness plan for your business:

Identify Your Risks

Become familiar with the types of natural disasters in your location. Each season brings its own unique challenges, and it is imperative to plan for the risks your business may face for each. This can include earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, power outages from severe winds, and tornadoes.

Depending on the type of business, identify the likelihood of other kinds of disasters, such as health hazards in a healthcare setting, or information technology-related risks to equipment or processes.

Develop a Plan

Create a course of action for each type of risk and conduct safety drills for emergencies your employees may face. Your safety drill plans should include when to evacuate the premises and when to stay in place. In the event your employees are required to evacuate, include information in your plan on the routes that are available and how to access the company鈥檚 emergency kits.

Take Action

Determine how to communicate with your employees before, during and after a disaster. Assign safety officers for assisting others in the event of an emergency, and consider accommodations for employees with special medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment.

Businesses should also review their insurance plans as they relate to the typical risks in their locations. Having the right type and amount of insurance can make the difference between a quick or more complicated disaster recovery. Consult your agent who can assist in determining what perils your policy covers (and in what situations coverage takes effect) to decide if additional coverage may be needed.

Inspire Others

Take advantage of the resources at and use National Preparedness Month as the prompt to get a plan started for your company. Discuss your plans with others in your industry to help ensure those around you are also taking steps to protect their family or company.

While businesses may not be able to avoid a disaster, you can minimize the impacts by being prepared.

As we approach hurricane season, now is the time to familiarize yourself with safety protocols for your business, especially if you are in a region that is likely to experience hurricane-related weather. Our website offers a library of resources about hurricane preparedness and response (click here). You can also download our Hurricane Preparedness Emergency Kit!

Consider the following steps your business should take to ensure you are prepared for a hurricane:

Plan & Coordinate

• Establish a Hurricane Operations team at your business and be prepared to meet regularly
• Create an emergency contact list, including phone numbers to reach all current employees
• Ensure vital records and computer files are backed up and stored in a safe place onsite and offsite
• Review your property insurance policy with your agent to verify you have the right coverage
• Keep work vehicles serviced and fueled. Find a secure place to store them if conditions arise
• Schedule regular drills to inform staff of the proper procedures in the event of a hurricane

Communicate & Monitor

• Consistently follow news, guidelines and updates from the
• Develop an emergency response plan and business continuity plan to outline hurricane responses and recovery strategies to maintain the continuity of services should you be affected by a hurricane
• Devise a communications plan to deliver vital information to employees, partners and customers
• Designate key staff members and a communications tree to share updates and protocols
• Confirm that your staff is aware of the plans, what role they play and the expectations you have

Prep & Prepare

• Keep emergency equipment and supplies on-hand at your business property, including heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, masking tape, sandbags, a generator, and hand tools
• Store a three-day supply of drinking water in plastic containers. Allocate enough for at least one gallon of water per person, per day
• Stock a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned food and beverages, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, and granola bars
• Ensure you have comprehensive first aid kits available and stored in airtight bags or containers
• Assemble other potential necessities, such as paper cups, plastic utensils, garbage bags, soap, disinfectant, liquid detergent, battery-operated radio and new batteries, and flashlights

For more information on Hurricane Preparedness Week and for additional safety tips and resources, visit the .

Learn More:听Prepare for Hurricane Season.

The Causes of Cold Stress
Cold stress can be caused by cold temperatures, high or cold wind, dampness, and cold water. According to , when exposed to cold conditions, much of the body鈥檚 energy is used to keep internal temperatures warm. This can cause a shift in blood flow from extremities to the chest and abdomen, driving down the body鈥檚 temperature and causing cold stress.

Monitoring Wind Chill
Wind chill temperature measures the rate of heat loss from the human body and the impact of cold on exposed skin. The issues advisories when the wind chill reaches a critical level and provides a wind chill index to calculate the dangers from winter winds and cold temperatures.

Cold Weather Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can take the following steps to help prevent cold stress-related injuries for workers:

• Train teams on how to prevent and recognize cold stress and apply first aid treatment
• Provide environmental controls such as shielded work areas and protective equipment
• Schedule heavy work during the warmer parts of the day when possible
• Ensure the team is dressed properly for the weather, including at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing for insulation; hats or hooded jackets; knit masks; gloves; and insulated shoes
• Keep teams hydrated on the job site with warm, sweetened fluids
• Create a buddy system to help workers keep an eye out for the warning signs of cold stress

Businesses that have employees working in cold conditions should ensure they are following best practices to help prevent cold-related injuries. For more information about cold stress safety and prevention, and the National Weather Service

With winter weather approaching, now is the time to help fleet drivers prevent crashes on the road.

Here are five tips to help keep commercial drivers safe this winter:

1. Adhere to Safe Speeds: Commercial fleet drivers should stay slightly below the speed limit when the roads are slippery, and should accelerate and brake lightly, with a firm grip on the steering wheel. This allows for better control and makes it easier to stop or move the vehicle if necessary.
2. Increase Following Distance: The more space between each vehicle on icy or snowy roads, the better. Drivers can help avoid a collision by maintaining a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them and by increasing their following distance to 8-10 seconds apart.
3. Check Vehicle Conditions: Before operating the vehicle, check the windshield wipers, defrosters, cooling system, and washer reservoir. Check all lights and ensure they are clean, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Once on the road, keep a close watch on the fuel gauge and fill up with fuel once the gauge reaches the halfway point.
4. Maintain a Winter Weather Kit: Keep an updated emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle. According to the (NHTSA) the kit should include a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper; sand or cat litter in the event the vehicle is stuck; jumper cables; a flashlight; emergency flares; warm blankets; a cell phone charger, and food and water.
5. Monitor Weather Conditions: Prepare in advance for winter weather driving 鈥� monitor road and weather conditions before taking off by checking a weather app. Watch for 鈥渂lack ice,鈥� a smooth and often glossy thin coating of ice on a surface that can be especially dangerous.

Following these tips can help fleet drivers stay safe on the road during the cold season. For more information and advice on winter weather driving, visit the .