If you are a Florida resident, you may be very aware that Hurricane season begins June 1st. Along with your checklist of preparations, you’ll want to locate, protect and review your important paperwork. These documents should include all insurance policies with policy numbers and benefit summaries. You’ll also want to make sure you have easy access to Health insurance cards, accident policy documents and any pertinent plan information. This may also be a good time to beneficiary details for all of your insurance policies, including your life insurance. If your policy information or beneficiaries are not current, please contact your agent or our office for assistance and we’ll be happy to help update your information.
For Business Owners- A disaster of any size could have a significant impact on your business. Taking the steps to build a business disaster continuity plan and encouraging employees to create a family emergency plan can reduce the impact on your business, along with the stress and anxiety that occur as a storm approaches. It is important to consider how a disaster could affect your employees, customers and workplace. How would you manage your business if access to the workplace is limited by road closures, streets are impassable, or communication is limited?
During a disaster, safety becomes a primary concern for everyone as a storm approaches. Businesses are encouraged to review their Business Continuity Plan and confirm employees are all aware of the plan and their responsibilities. It is important to monitor relevant emergency management news for weather and safety updates. In case an evacuation is ordered, businesses owners should secure their businesses and follow instructions by local emergency management on evacuation orders. Remember, if your local emergency management officials order an evacuation and you make a decision to remain in your business, emergency responders will not be able to respond to you during the disaster. You, and your employees, will be on your own at possibly at risk until the storm passes and first responders are able to secure the area.
After a Disaster – Safety remains the top priority when re-entering your business structure in the immediate aftermath of a storm. Follow instructions from local emergency management to know when it’s safe to return to the area and what precautions should be taken into account. If you are able to re-enter your facility, be sure to take photographs or video of all damage prior to making repairs for future business damage assessments.
We’ve seen many unpredictable outcomes with Hurricanes in recent years. Take the necessary precautions to prepare, update and protect your policies, have a plan- whether it’s for your family, home or business – and be sure to communicate it to those you love and most importantly- STAY SAFE!