Are Your Customers Prepared for the Hurricane Season?

Marty Henry is senior vice president of Travelers Risk Control

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

This exceeds the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

With the official start of hurricane season just a day away, now is the time to help your customers make important decisions about insurance and understand the steps needed to help keep their family, business and property safe.

Before storm season is at its peak, Travelers recommends sharing the following tips to help your customers get ready:

• Create safety plans for your family and your business. Families should have an evacuation plan that tells everyone where to go and how to keep in touch during an emergency. In addition, businesses should also have a business continuity plan that outlines what you will do and who you can call on to help keep your business running in the event of a disaster.
• Build a content inventory to document the items in your home or at your business.
• Prepare a survival kit of things you might need if disaster strikes.
• Perform routine maintenance such as tree-trimming, gutter cleaning and debris removal around your home or office building. Make sure drains and sump pumps are clear.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage.

Additional tips on preparing for a hurricane can be found on the Travelers Prepare & Prevent website.

While most severe hurricanes form later in the season, waiting to prepare could leave your customers without a plan for managing risks, which includes reviewing hazards around a home or business, taking steps to help minimize damage and having necessary insurance coverages.

Planning for storm season is not something that should be taken lightly.