The recent warm weather may have lulled us into a false sense of security, but with the UK’s first named storm of the season due this week, now is the time for businesses to prepare for whatever the weather has in store.
While stormy weather can feel a long way off when the sun is shining, the best time to prepare for a storm is before it even appears on the forecast. A little forward planning can help protect your premises, safeguard your employees and minimise disruption to your business.
From strong winds and heavy rainfall to flooding and power cuts, severe weather can cause significant damage and leave businesses facing unexpected costs and downtime.
Whether you’re already battening down the hatches or just getting started, here’s our practical guide to preparing for a storm, staying safe during severe weather and getting your business back on track afterwards.
BEFORE THE STORM: Get prepared
Taking a few simple precautions before severe weather arrives can make a real difference to how well your business weathers the storm.
– Understand your risks
Every business faces different risks. Consider how your premises, stock, equipment and day-to-day operations could be affected by strong winds, heavy rain or flooding. Pay particular attention to vulnerable areas, such as roofs, windows, entrances, outdoor storage and locations with a history of flooding.
– Have a plan in place
Make sure your team knows what to do if severe weather strikes. Review your business continuity plan, including arrangements for staff safety, remote working, alternative premises and potential supply chain disruption.
Ensure key contacts and emergency procedures are easy to find and accessible when you need them.
– Secure your premises
Check that gutters, drains and gullies are clear to help prevent water from building up. Inspect your roof, windows, doors and other vulnerable areas for signs of damage, and arrange repairs where necessary. Secure loose outdoor furniture, signage, equipment and stock that could be damaged or become hazardous in strong winds.
– Protect your data and equipment
Storms can bring power cuts, water damage and unexpected interruptions to your IT systems. Back up important files, check that your backups are accessible and keep electrical equipment away from floor level in areas at risk of flooding.
Consider whether surge protection and backup power arrangements could help keep essential systems running.
– Review your insurance cover
The last thing you want during a storm is uncertainty about your insurance. Review your existing cover and speak to your insurance broker to check that it remains appropriate for your business.
Consider your buildings, contents, stock, equipment and potential business interruption losses. Understanding any policy limits, exclusions and conditions before severe weather hits can help you feel more confident and prepared.
DURING THE STORM: Put safety first
Once severe weather arrives, protecting people should always be your priority. Keep up to date with changing conditions and be ready to act if the situation deteriorates.
– Stay informed
Monitor the latest weather forecasts, official weather warnings and advice from emergency services. If your business is in an area at risk of flooding, sign up for flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
Make sure important updates can reach the right people quickly, even if your usual communication systems are disrupted.
– Keep employees and visitors safe
Follow official advice and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions. Keep people away from areas affected by flooding, damaged structures or falling debris, and do not ask employees to put themselves at risk to protect stock or equipment.
If you need to close your premises temporarily, make sure staff understand the arrangements.
– Know where your utilities are
Make sure you know how to safely shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies if necessary. Only do so if it is safe, and never enter standing water to reach electrical equipment or switches.
If you suspect a gas leak or electrical danger, keep clear and contact the appropriate emergency service or utility provider.
AFTER THE STORM: Recover and get back on track
Even when the worst of the weather has passed, there may still be hazards to consider. Taking a careful, structured approach to recovery can help you avoid further damage and get your business operating again as soon as it is safe to do so.
– Check for damage safely
Before returning to your premises, check official advice and make sure the building is safe to enter. Look out for structural damage, damaged roofing, fallen trees, exposed wiring and signs of flooding.
If you suspect structural or electrical damage, seek professional advice before entering or using the affected areas.
– Document any damage
If your premises, stock or equipment have been damaged, take photographs and videos as soon as it is safe to do so. Keep records of damaged items, repair costs, emergency expenses and any correspondence relating to the incident.
Contact your insurer or broker promptly for guidance on making a claim.
Keep damaged items where practical until your insurer advises whether they need to be inspected but take reasonable steps to prevent further damage and protect people.
– Clear up carefully
Once it is safe, arrange for debris and standing water to be removed.
Be cautious around contaminated floodwater, unstable structures and damaged electrical systems. Use qualified professionals where needed and follow relevant health and safety advice throughout the clean-up process.
– Put your recovery plan into action
When it is safe to resume operations, use your business continuity plan to prioritise essential activities, communicate with employees and customers, and coordinate with suppliers.
If your premises cannot reopen immediately, consider temporary working arrangements or alternative locations while repairs take place.
A little preparation goes a long way
Severe weather can be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Taking time to assess your risks, prepare your premises and review your insurance can help reduce the impact of a storm and give you greater peace of mind.
And remember, preparation isn’t just about protecting buildings and belongings. It’s also about looking after your people, keeping essential operations running and making recovery as straightforward as possible.
Want to feel more confident about your business insurance?
Our team is here to help you understand your cover, identify potential gaps and make sure your insurance is suited to your business’s needs.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your cover before the next storm hits.
