TAMPA, Fl. — The 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season officially began on June 1 and we have already experienced one named cyclone in what is expected to be a very active season which runs through Nov. 30.
Subtropical storm Alberto, which impacted areas from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest in late May, is a strong reminder that now is the time for business owners to prepare for tropical storms, devastating hurricanes and other severe summer weather events. Guidance on how you can strengthen your property and prepare for fierce summer storms is available from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) at disastersafety.org.
IBHS offers numerous resources for business owners to prepare their facilities and operations for hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe summer storms. This includes business protection resources, business continuity planning and tips for protecting financial assets (see commercial hurricane infographic).
“Before the next storm strikes, you should take a walk around your property,” said Roy Wright, CEO and president of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. “You should look for and arrange repairs to loose shingles, siding or fencing. Trim trees away from your business facility and clear gutters and drains of debris so rain water can move away. These and other simple steps will help prepare your facility and will save you time, energy, aggravation and money after the storm passes.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast calls for 10 to 16 named storms, with five to nine hurricanes. NOAA’s outlook indicated one to four hurricanes could become major (Category 3 or higher) with sustained winds in excess of 110 MPH. This follow’s 2017 extremely active season, which resulted in more than $200 billion in property losses across the U.S.
“Preparedness is the key to mitigating risks for everyone in hurricane-prone areas,” Wright added. “You can protect your property through maintenance and monitoring, and with flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. If you live or own property along any waterway, flood insurance is something you should strongly consider.”
Wright also emphasized there is a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance policies, underwritten through the National Flood Insurance Program, to become effective for business owners after they are bound by your insurance agent.
