Anyone who’s experienced a hurricane will tell you, hurricane season is always concerning at best, frightening at worst. Even with some prediction on when the season starts, there’s still confusion on just how many storms, and types, will occur each year.
How many hurricanes, how often?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 predictions were very challenging, due to a super El Niño season warming in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at near-record levels. The result? NOAA revised its predictions, indicating an above-normal season with 14 to 21 named storms—previously from 12 to 17—including six to 11 hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes.
Hurricane Idalia, for instance, caused significant damage across parts of the southeastern part of the U.S., especially in North Florida in August 2023. Moody’s Analytics noted that Hurricane Idalia caused between $12 and $20 billion in damage and lost output; USB Bank found that $10 billion was in Florida alone. What better argument for hurricane season prep?
Best practices—hurricane prep for businesses.
Did you know that 40% of small businesses that close due to hurricane damage, do not reopen? That’s why the National Hurricane Survival Initiative urges businesses to think ahead and following their checklist. Many of these same principles apply to the general population.
Protect property
- Install shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors from wind borne-debris.
- Get the roof of your building evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm.
- Remove any branches or trees near your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
- Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding.
- Anchor and brace any large furniture such as bookcases, shelves, and filing cabinets to wall studs.
- Secure water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damage.
- Secure and cover electronics such as computers and other office equipment with straps or Velcro.
- Turn off all utilities prior to a hurricane making landfall, if possible.
Protect important documents and information
- Save contacts that are crucial to business operations, such as employees, banks, lawyers, accountants, suppliers, etc.; also save them offsite.
- Back up documents such as insurance documents, legal contracts, tax returns, and accounting statements to avoid water damage.
- Seal important documents in waterproof containers onsite.
Keep emergency contact info close by.
- Life safety issues: 9-1-1
- Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-359-2227
- FEMA Tele-registration hot-line: 1-800-462-9029
- Insurance company and agent’s contact information
- Danella Storm Response: 610-585-7656 or 610-397-1145
Danella Storm response Teams for Immediate Help.
To be hurricane-ready, emergency coordinators can call for Danella’s Storm Response Team to get back on track as soon as possible. Danella is available around the clock to quickly mobilize and help with all needs and phases of restoration. With three strategic deployment locations—in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Alabama—Danella is prepared to dispatch a crew and equipment quickly and efficiently throughout the U.S.
Storms are unpredictable and terrifying, yet with a plan in place and a partner like Danella, your business can better weather the storms. Learn more about Danella’s Storm Response.