Hurricane Preparedness for Commercial Properties: How Businesses Can Prepare Before, During, and After a Storm

Hurricane Season is here – is your business prepared?

With hurricane season now underway, businesses across the Gulf Coast and Atlantic regions should be taking steps to evaluate preparedness plans, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen operations before severe weather impacts their communities.

Whether you manage office buildings, condos, warehouses, or moving and storage operations, preparation before a storm can make a significant difference in how quickly your business recovers afterward.

While forecasts for the 2026 hurricane season currently suggest slightly below-average activity, experts caution businesses against becoming complacent.

Tune in to the latest episode of IAT’s What’s Brewing podcast featuring Loss Control Specialists Katie Blomquist and Tim Unger as they discuss how businesses can prepare commercial properties before, during, and after a storm:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YmC8P79iGJeC2cUWe4Ts0?si=xcMMxrlCT52kaGHSmg_JVQ

As Tim Unger shared during the episode, hurricane forecasts can quickly change. Even seasons projected to be quieter can become highly active due to warmer ocean temperatures and shifting weather patterns. The key takeaway: every hurricane season deserves serious preparation.

Before the Storm: Preparing Your Property and Business

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before watches and warnings are issued.

Commercial properties can face a wide range of exposures during severe weather events, including:

• Roof damage from high winds
• Broken windows caused by flying debris
• Water intrusion and flooding
• Structural damage
• Damage to HVAC systems and equipment
• Power outages and operational shutdowns
• Inventory and warehouse losses

According to Katie, businesses should begin hurricane preparation by evaluating both physical property risks and operational risks.

Key Preparation Steps Before a Storm

Inspect and Secure the Property

• Evaluate roofs, windows, doors, and signage
• Remove loose outdoor materials and debris
• Trim nearby trees and branches
• Identify flood-prone areas around the property

Gather Emergency Supplies

Businesses should have critical mitigation materials ready before a storm approaches, including:

• Sandbags
• Tarps and plywood
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kits
• Portable radios or communication devices
• Tools for debris removal

Back Up Critical Records

• Ensure important files and records are digitally backed up
• Confirm employees can access systems remotely if necessary
• Protect sensitive documents and operational data

Document the Property

Taking photos and videos before a storm is one of the most overlooked preparedness steps. Pre-loss documentation can help support the claims process and establish property conditions before damage occurs.

Review Business Continuity Plans

A formal business continuity plan helps businesses maintain essential operations during and after a disaster.

Tim shared several important statistics during the episode:

• Approximately 40% of small businesses never reopen after a major catastrophe
• About 25% close within one year
• 75% of businesses without a continuity plan fail within three years of a major disaster

Businesses should evaluate:

• Essential operations and personnel
• Remote work capabilities
• Vendor and supply chain dependencies
• Communication plans for employees and customers
• Recovery timelines and contingency plans

During the Storm: Prioritize Safety

As conditions worsen, employee safety becomes the top priority.

Businesses should ensure non-essential personnel evacuate early and follow local emergency guidance. Essential personnel who remain onsite should have:

• Access to emergency supplies
• Safe shelter areas
• Reliable communication methods
• Backup power resources if appropriate

Tim also emphasized that once hurricane warnings are issued, it is often too late to begin gathering supplies or preparing facilities. Businesses should already have mitigation materials and emergency plans in place before the storm arrives.

For warehouse and storage operations, businesses may also need to:

• Elevate vulnerable inventory
• Relocate sensitive equipment
• Shut down electrical systems safely
• Secure or protect stored goods

After the Storm: Recover Safely and Mitigate Further Damage

Once the storm passes, businesses should wait for local authorities to confirm conditions are safe before returning to damaged properties.

Post-storm hazards can include:

• Floodwaters
• Downed power lines
• Structural instability
• Broken glass and debris
• Electrical hazards

Employees and contractors entering damaged facilities should wear proper PPE and use caution when assessing conditions.

Important Post-Storm Recovery Steps

Document All Damage

Take detailed photos and videos of:

• Structural damage
• Roof and water damage
• Equipment losses
• Inventory damage

Prevent Additional Damage

Most insurance policies require businesses to take reasonable steps to mitigate further loss. This may include:

• Installing temporary tarps
• Boarding broken windows
• Removing standing water
• Securing damaged areas

Evaluate Fire Protection Systems

Tim noted that fire sprinkler and alarm systems may be compromised after a storm. Businesses should verify systems are operational and consider implementing fire watch procedures if systems are offline.

Communicate with Employees and Vendors

Keep employees, customers, and vendors informed about:

• Facility conditions
• Operational impacts
• Estimated reopening timelines
• Recovery progress

Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Forecast Changes

No matter what the seasonal outlook predicts, preparation remains one of the most important tools businesses have to reduce losses and recover more quickly after a storm.

By planning ahead, protecting critical operations, and prioritizing employee safety, businesses can strengthen resilience before, during, and after hurricane season.

For additional guidance on commercial property protection and business continuity planning, businesses can reach out to IAT’s Loss Control team for support and resources throughout hurricane season.