Workers remove debris after Hurricane Maria at the CorporacionAvicola Morovis Inc. facility in Morovis, Puerto Rico, on Monday,Oct. 2, 2017. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg)

Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma all had substantial effects onthe U.S. and Caribbean in 2017 and now rank among the top fivecostliest on record, according to the National Hurricane Center(NHC). With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) forecasting a similarly active 2018 hurricaneseason, businesses must take steps now to prepare.

What we learned in 2017

The sheer number of devastating storms, along with simultaneousearthquakes and wildfires, challenged organizations, theiremployees, insurers, claims adjusters and consultants, governments,utilities, vendors and suppliers in 2017. Obtaining qualifiedexpertise, equipment, labor, power and fuel proved difficult formany organizations without adequate and tested risk management andbusiness continuity plans. Companies also experienced delays inloss assessments, reporting, claims filing and fundsdistribution.

Related: Hurricane season ahead: Keys to disasterpreparedness & recovery for businesses

Some of the delay was attributable to the varied terms andconditions in insurance policies, which had not been fully vettedprior to sustained losses and were open to interpretation byinsureds, insurers, and legal counsel.

If you could be affected by this year's hurricanes, whether youare located in U.S. regions prone to storms or reliant on suppliersand vendors in such regions, you should consider taking thefollowing preparatory steps:

1. Review your business continuity plans & supply chainnetwork

A storm could affect your operations, your suppliers'operations, and critical infrastructure, including power,telecommunications, roads, airports, railways and seaports. Knowthe specific locations of your suppliers — and their suppliers — soyou can better ensure business continuity. Alsoconsider alternate suppliers and shipping methods to prevent orlimit disruptions to your supply chain.

2. Help your people

If your business is affected by a storm, it's almost certainthat your employees and their families will be too. Before a storm,help employees prepare, including getting them to safety. Duringand after a storm, stay connected with them and be ready to supportwith humanitarian assistance, including guidance on how they canmanage their own insurance claims.

3. Understand your coverage & claims processes

Every storm will cause its own unique damage and bring with itquestions around property policy coverage. Before a storm arrives,make sure you understand key definitions, sub-limits for floodingand other coverage areas and other terms in your policy. Andestablish a framework and protocols with your insurers forgathering information and filing a claim after the stormpasses.

4. Know your property

From receipts for improvements made over the years to officialrecords or visual documentation, verifying your property'scondition before a storm is critical to proper indemnification inthe aftermath. Imagery from satellites, drones, andhelicopters can give you, underwriters, and adjustersa more complete picture of your property's value and potentiallyhidden risks. Using aerial technologies during and following astorm can pose additional risks, so tread carefully and call inoutside experts as needed.

With another active hurricane season predicted, you shouldproactively manage your risk preparedness, resilience, andpost-event response. Using these guidelines can help your peoplestay safe and your organization quickly resume normaloperations.

Duncan Ellis is a managing director resident in Marsh's NewYork office and is the leader of Marsh's U.S. PropertyPractice.