The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st until November 30th, hitting the peak of activity in mid-September, with most storms from mid-August until mid-October. However, in 2023, we experienced a tropical storm in January, reinforcing the importance of year-round preparation.
Just over two years ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida. It was the third most costly hurricane in recorded history. With winds of 160 mph, it caused approximately $113B in damages with over 160 lives lost.
For this year, Colorado State University predicts a very active storm season. They are predicting 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
As we get closer to hurricane season, it is now time to enhance and practice your emergency and restoration plans. Preparation is key to minimizing the impact to your operations including both people safety and property protection.
The following are a list of best practices:
- Stock up on supplies
- Food, water; fuel, batteries and flashlights, cleaning supplies, first aid kit, radio, etc.
- Update your business continuity plans
- Practice evacuation, update maps, check emergency contact lists and contact information, coordinate plans with suppliers, vendors and clients, ensure backup locations viability, etc.
- Secure property
- Protect all non-impact resistant doors and windows, remove debris and supplies from the area surrounding the building, secure exterior patio/swimming pool and any other portable furniture, check and secure all roof-top equipment, remove damaged or weakened trees and shrubs near the building, check fuel for and condition of generators, buffer property from water intrusion, etc.
- After the storm
- Contact staff, vendors, clients, et al; inspect property for damages and prioritize repairs, take photographs (before and after), clean up property, restore power, avoid downed electrical wires and transmission equipment, wear protective equipment such as proper gloves for picking up debris, etc.
Contact Verita for questions or assistance in planning. Your safety and security are our priorities.
Contact:
Victor J Sordillo PE, CSP, MBA
Managing Director, Risk Advisory Services
Mobile: 1 908 632 5336
Email: victor.sordillo@veritainc.com
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal and/or other professional advisors. Some of the information, examples and suggestions presented in this material may be compiled by third-party sources we consider to be reliable; however, we do not guarantee and are not responsible for the accuracy of such information. We assume no duty in contract, tort, or otherwise in connection with this publication and expressly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any liability in connection with this publication. Verita CSG, Inc. does not undertake to update the information included herein after the date of publication. Accordingly, readers should be aware that certain content may have changed since the date of this publication.