As we approach the peak of hurricane and wildfire seasons, businesses across the United States face mounting threats to property, operations, and financial stability. According to NOAA, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be active, with forecasts calling for up to 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Wildfire season projections are equally concerning, with more than 9 million acres at risk of burning, especially in drought-stricken regions like California, Texas, and parts of the Southeast.
Natural disasters can halt operations, displace employees, destroy inventory, and leave lasting financial damage. At AssuredPartners, we help businesses prepare for these risks with insurance strategies, risk control planning, and claims support that help keep you protected before, during, and after disaster strikes.
Running from June 1 to November 30, hurricane season brings the risk of high winds, torrential rain, storm surge, and coastal flooding. Even businesses far inland can experience power outages, water damage, and supply chain interruptions. Aging infrastructure, construction near flood-prone zones, and limited drainage systems can worsen the damage.
Wildfire season typically peaks in the summer and fall, but springtime fires can also pose significant risks. Areas near forests, grasslands, or dry scrub are especially vulnerable, and drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds can exacerbate wildfire activity. Businesses in vulnerable areas must be prepared for potential evacuations, property damage, and operational disruptions.
The first step in preparing for natural disasters is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify the natural hazards that could affect your business based on its location and the likelihood of hurricanes or wildfires. Assess building materials, surrounding vegetation, wind and flood zones, historical disaster data, and operational dependencies like critical vendors or offsite data centers.
A business continuity plan (BCP) details how your business will operate during and after a disaster. A well-tested BCP ensures your operations can continue or resume quickly. Your plan should include:
Taking proactive measures to protect your property can significantly reduce the impact of hurricanes and wildfires. Here are some steps to consider:
Disaster plans are only as good as their execution. All employees should know evacuation routes, safety procedures, and communication protocols. Keep emergency contact lists up to date and distribute printed and digital versions to all team members. Consider establishing a text alert system or using an app for real-time updates.
Natural disasters can destroy on-site servers and IT infrastructure. Protect your systems by:
Being financially prepared means more than carrying insurance. Keep an emergency reserve fund, understand your credit line availability, and review your cash flow forecasts quarterly. Many businesses underestimate the duration and cost of a shutdown; work with financial advisors to model different disaster recovery scenarios.
Insurance is your financial safety net. But not all policies cover hurricane or wildfire losses. Work with a knowledgeable broker to ensure your coverage aligns with your risk profile and region.
Here are some key insurance considerations:
Property insurance covers damage to buildings, equipment, and inventory caused by hurricanes and wildfires. Ensure your policy includes:
Business interruption insurance compensates for lost income and operating expenses during the period your business is unable to operate due to a covered event. Key aspects to consider:
Depending on your business's specific needs, you may want to consider additional coverage options:
AssuredPartners is dedicated to helping businesses prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Our team of experts can assist with risk assessments, business continuity planning, and insurance coverage reviews. We offer a range of resources, including preparedness guides and claims reporting information, to support your business before, during, and after a disaster.
Our preparedness guides offer detailed steps and checklists to help businesses mitigate risks and protect their assets. Some of the available guides include:
In the event of a disaster, timely claims reporting is crucial for a swift recovery. In the aftermath of a disaster, we help clients file, document, and manage claims quickly and efficiently. Our local agencies and national carrier partners ensure you have dedicated support during a critical time.
No business is immune to the growing threat of natural disasters. Whether it’s a direct hit from a hurricane or a nearby wildfire pushing smoke and ash into your facility, the financial and operational impact can be significant. By taking steps now to assess risk, protect your assets, and secure the right coverage, you’ll be better positioned to respond, and recover, faster.
AssuredPartners is here to help. Our team of experienced property and casualty advisors works alongside you to build risk management strategies tailored to your business. Find an office near you.
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