Hurricanes

Tornadoes

Heavy rain and lightning

Freezing temperatures

Winter storm

Wildfires

Hail

Other weather events

Tips for businesses

Before the storm

1. Shut off gas to the building if you know how to do it safely, and make sure outdoor HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans are secured. Contact a professional if assistance is needed.
2. Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
3. Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
4. Secure openings (doors, windows, garage doors) from flying objects and high winds using shutters or plywood to prevent breach of the building and the creation of pressure differentials that could force the roof off the building.
5. Remove items from the floor in case of flooding.
6. Set up remote cameras and water sensors (if time allows) to monitor your business when you are not there.
7. Back up data off site in case there is damage to computer systems and files.

During the storm

1. Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
2. Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
3. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.

After the storm

1. Inspect gas, electrical and water lines for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks.
2. Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
3. Stay out of damaged buildings until it is safe to do so.
4. Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
5. Log all post-event clean-up efforts and expenses.
6. If there is flooding: 
   • Clean up pools of water.
   • Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
   • Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth.
   • Move items away from damp areas.
7. Notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.

Additional resources

Hurricane preparedness for businesses (article)

Hurricane preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

Tips for individuals

Before the storm

1. Charge your phone and electronic devices.
2. Prepare your emergency plan and emergency kit.
3. Fill your car and generator with gas and keep extra fuel handy in approved containers and in a safe location.
4. Park your car in the garage. 
5. Move items inside (bikes, furniture) as they may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
6. Do not store gas-powered articles inside your home; secure them outside.
7. Cover windows and doors. Use storm shutters or plywood nailed to window frames to protect windows.

During the storm

1. Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
2. Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
3. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.
4. Keep your refrigerator doors closed to keep food as cold as possible and prevent thawing in case the power goes out.

After the storm

1. Inspect gas, electrical and water lines for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks.
2. Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
3. Stay out of damaged homes and buildings until it is safe to do so.
4. Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
5. Log all post-event clean-up efforts and expenses.
6. If there is flooding: 
   • Clean up pools of water.
   • Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
   • Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth in the home.
   • Move items away from damp areas.
7. Notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.

Additional resources

Hurricane preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic)

Tips for businesses

Before a tornado strikes

1. Select a shelter and make a plan.
2. Stock your shelter area with supplies.
3. Keep your eye on the sky for heavy dark, clouds with thunder and lightning.
4. Listen to local news for updates.

During a tornado

1. Seek shelter immediately - ideally to a designated and stocked area.
2. If you are in a car, stop and get out. Seek shelter away from your vehicle.
3. Stay away from trees, power lines and utility poles.
4. Stay low to the ground.

After the storm

1. Check for employees who may be trapped or injured
2. Inspect gas, electrical and water lines carefully for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks. If unfamiliar with what to look for, call a professional or emergency service.
3. Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
4. Stay out of damaged buildings until it is safe to do so.
5. Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
6. Wait to dispose of any items until you have met with your insurance adjuster. 
7. Notify our claims team immediately if there is damage so we can help you prevent further damage and assist you in getting back to pre-tornado conditions. 

Additional resources

Steps to reduce the risk of tornado damage in commercial buildings (article)

Tornado preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic) 

Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) map

The Fujita Scale

 

Tips for individuals

Before a tornado strikes

1. Select a shelter and make a plan.
2. Stock your shelter area with supplies.
3. Keep your eye on the sky for heavy dark, clouds with thunder and lightning.
4. Listen to local news for updates.

During a tornado

1. Seek shelter immediately - ideally to a designated and stocked area.
2. If you are in a car, stop and get out. Seek shelter away from your vehicle.
3. Stay away from trees, power lines and utility poles.
4. Stay low to the ground.

After the storm

1. Check for family or neighbors who may have been injured or trapped. Do not move injured people; call 911.
2. Reconnect with a designated family member or friend who is unlikely to have been affected by the tornado. Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website.
3. Inspect gas, electrical and water lines carefully for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks. If unfamiliar with what to look for, call a professional or emergency services. Call 211 for shelter locations and disaster information.
4. Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
5. Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
6. Wait to dispose of any items until you have met with your insurance adjuster.
7. Notify our claims team immediately if there is damage so we can help you prevent further damage and assist you in getting back to pre-tornado conditions. 

Additional resources

Tornado preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic) 

Tips for businesses

Before the storm

1. Secure outdoor heating and cooling units, including HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
2. Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
3. Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
4. Remove items from the floor in case of flooding.
5. Take photographs so you have a pre-storm record of your property.

During the storm

1. Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
2. Find safe shelter (not under trees) if you are outside.
3. Remain in your vehicle if you are driving. Pull over to a safe location if driving becomes difficult.
4. Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
5. Avoid using electric appliances.
6. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm has passed by your area.
    

After the storm

If there is flooding: 

• Clean up pools of water.
• Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
• Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth.
• Move items away from damp areas.

Additional resources

Protecting communication and sensitive electronic equipment from lightning and voltage surges (article)

Heavy rain and lightning preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

Tips for individuals

Before the storm

1. Inspect sump pump and test battery back-up.
2. Park your car in the garage (if you have one). 
3. Move items inside (bikes, furniture) as they may get damaged during inclement weather. Do not store gas-powered items inside your home.

During the storm

1. Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
2. Find safe shelter (not under trees) if you are outside.
3. Remain in your vehicle if you are driving. Pull over to a safe location if driving becomes difficult.
4. Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
5. Avoid using electric appliances.
6. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm has passed by your area.

After the storm

If there is flooding: 

• Clean up pools of water.
• Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
• Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth in the home.
• Move items away from damp areas.

Additional resources

Heavy rain and lightning prepartion and safety tips for homeowners ( infographic) 

Tips for businesses

Before the freeze

1. Relocate outdoor materials or equipment that could be damaged by extreme cold to an indoor location, if possible.
2. Drain and shut off water to outdoor faucets and pipes to help prevent freezing.
3. Insulate exposed pipes using blankets, Styrofoam or swimming pool water noodles. Install new or repair damaged insulation where necessary. Check freeze protection of wet fire protection system piping.
4. Know where the water shutoff valve is and how to use it.
5. Check that electric pipe tracing systems are working correctly.
6. Cover and seal any exterior openings, holes and cracks near piping including windows and doors and attic penetrations.
7. Inspect all outside air dampers for proper operation. Clear and protect all outside vents from ice and snow accumulation.
8. Clean the gutters. 
9. Create a list of emergency phone numbers to have available during a storm, including snow removal, heating system repair, utilities and emergency weather updates.
10. Have cold weather gear available on site for personnel helping with snow removal, including gloves, hats, emergency blankets and flashlights.
11. Move equipment or stock away from areas that could experience water damage due to flooding.
12. Install a monitoring system and a leak detection system to provide notifications if the temperature dips below a certain level, or if a water leak is detected.
13. Utilize heating cables and tapes to help with freeze prevention.

During the freeze

1. Close all doors, windows and outside dampers.
2. Keep the heat at 55 degrees or higher.
3. Monitor the location with hired help or surveillance to respond quickly to burst pipes. Designate personnel to be responsible for loss prevention.
4. Let water faucets drip slightly for interior pipes to keep water flowing through pipes that are easily frozen.
5. Turn off the water if pipes burst.
6. Voltage surge protection is necessary at all times, especially during freezing temperatures. Severe weather may cause power loss and/or downed wires. If this happens, take caution when the electricity is restored, as a sudden power surge may cause damage to electrical equipment.

Additional resources

Freezing temperature preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

How to help prevent frozen pipes in your fire protection sprinkler system (infographic)

Freeze protection checklist  

Understanding freezing and bursting pipes (article)

Tips for individuals

Before the freeze

1. Drain and shut off water to outdoor faucets to help prevent freezing. Remove hoses and store them inside.
2. Insulate exposed pipes using blankets, Styrofoam or swimming pool water noodles.
3. Know where the water shutoff valve is and how to use it.
4. Fill your car and generator with gas and keep extra fuel handy in approved containers and in a safe location.
5. Clean your gutters.

During the freeze

1. Close all doors and windows, including garage doors.
2. Keep heat at 55 degrees or higher and close entries to unheated spaces to prevent frozen pipes.
3. Set your faucets to a slow drip for interior pipes to keep water flowing and prevent freezing pipes.
4. Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to help keep pipes at a warmer temperature.
5. Regularly check water sources where frozen pipes are more likely, such as around sinks and bathrooms.
6. Turn off the water if the pipes burst.
7. Use generators outside where exhaust fumes can’t enter through window or door cracks. 
8. Thaw frozen pipes (that have not yet burst) carefully using a hairdryer, heat lamp or space heater. Do not leave heat sources unattended. 

If you lose power:

• Run your faucets at a fast drip until you get a temporary source of heat going. If the power will be out for an extended period of time, shut off the main water valve then open and run the water until the pipes are empty.

If your pipes freeze:

• Don’t wait for them to burst – try thawing them with a hairdryer, heat lamp or space heater (do not leave heat sources unattended). Call a plumber if you need assistance
• If your pipes burst, turn off the water then follow these additional steps.

Additional resources

Freezing temperature preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic)

Frozen pipe prevention tips (infographic)

What to do when a pipe bursts (article)

Tips for businesses

Before the storm

1. Position heaters, snow blowers, shovels and generators in a safe location where they are easy to access.
2. Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and ice.
3. Consider hiring a contractor to remove snow from roofs and prevent ice dams.
4. Clear snow three feet around fire hydrants and outside sprinkler control valves so they are accessible.
5. Prepare for power outages by having flashlights and a gas or battery-powered generator.

During the storm

1. Keep heat at 55 degrees or higher and monitor building temperatures.
2. Close entries to unheated spaces, unless they contain water pipes, which could freeze. 
3. Let water faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing through pipes that are easily frozen.
4. Bring electrical loads back online carefully (if the power is lost) to prevent power surges that could damage equipment.

Additional resources

Winter storm preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

Preparing for power outages in cold weather (article)

Preventing slips, trips and falls in winter weather (article) 

Snow load alert — protect your roof (article)

Snow and ice control record (chart)

Developing a cold weather plan (article)

Protect your property from severe weather (article)

Preventing ice dams on businesses (article)

Tips for individuals

Before the storm

1. Charge your phone and electronic devices.
2. Prepare your emergency plan and emergency kit.
3. Fill your car and generator with gas and keep extra fuel handy.
4. Keep home ventilation clear and shovel out vents.
5. Consider hiring a contractor to remove snow from your roof to help prevent ice dams.
6. Know where the main water shutoff is and how it works.

During the storm

1. Keep heat at 55 degrees or higher and close entries to unheated spaces to prevent frozen pipes.
2. Use generators outside where exhaust fumes can’t enter through window or door cracks. 
3. Turn refrigerators and freezers to “high” in case of power outages.
4. Fill tubs and sinks with water (for washing and flushing only) if you are on a well.
5. Be careful when using a wood stove, fireplace or space heater.

Additional resources

Winter storm preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic)

Winter storm weather preparation (article)

Winter weather tips for homeowners (interactive infographic)

Winter weather tips for homeowners (video)

Prepare for winter to help avoid potential insurance claims (article)

Tips for driving in severe weather (interactive infographic)

Ice dam prevention tips (infographic)

What to do if you have an ice dam (article)

Tips for businesses

If you are evacuating your business when a fire is approaching

1. Shut off gas at the meter or propane at the tank if you know how to do it safely. Call a professional if you need assistance.
2. Turn off HVAC to keep out smoke and cover vents.
3. Install fire-resistant shutters or plywood carefully to help protect from radiant heat and embers. If assistance is needed, contact a professional.
4. Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke.
5. Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows. 
6. Move outdoor materials and furniture indoors.
7. Close doors securely.   
8. Wet property with hoses.
9. Fill trash cans and buckets with water and place so they are easy to find.

When you can safely return

1. Extinguish any exterior sparks or embers if safe to do so. Do not climb on roof to extinguish embers. Otherwise, contact fire officials for help.
2. Check for burning trees or piles of materials if safe to do so and carefully extinguish them. Otherwise, contact fire officials for help.
3. Keep doors and windows closed.
4. Document any property damage with photos and videos.

Additional resources

Wildfire preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

Protecting your business from wildfire (article)

Last-minute wildfire pre-evacuation checklist for businesses (article)

Steps to protect your business from wildfires (article)

Fire protection impairment management checklist (article)

FEMA How to prepare for a wildfire (article)

FEMA Prepare your organization for a wildfire playbook (article)

Tips for individuals

If you are evacuating your home when a fire is approaching

1. Shut off gas at the meter or propane at the tank if you know how to do it safely. Call a professional if you need assistance.
2. Turn off HVAC to keep out smoke and cover vents.
3. Install fire-resistant shutters or plywood to help protect from radiant heat and embers.If assistance is needed, contact a professional.
4. Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke.
5. Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows. 
6. Move outdoor materials and furniture indoors.
7. Close doors securely.   
8. Wet property with hoses.
9. Fill trash cans and buckets with water and place so they are easy to find.

When you can safely return

1. Extinguish any sparks or embers outside your home if safe to do so. Do not climb onto roof to extinguish embers.Otherwise, contact fire officials for help.
2. Keep doors and windows closed.
3. Document any property damage with photos and videos. 

Additional resources

Wildfire preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic)

Tips for businesses

Before the storm

1. Inspect your roof for damage and repair any problem areas.
2. Select a hail impact-resistant roof for a new building or when re-roofing.
3. Park your fleet in a garage or cover it with a car cover or heavy blanket.
4. Consider installing hail guards to protect HVAC systems or purchasing HVAC equipment with factory-installed hail guards.
5. Keep trees trimmed and maintained.
6. Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
7. Close any window coverings to protect against blowing or shattered glass.

During the storm

1. Seek shelter if you are outside and protect your head from hail.
2. Remain inside and stay away from windows
3. Do not use phones or electrical outlets during a severe hailstorm where lightning is present or you risk electrocution 
4. Safely pull over to the side of the road if you are driving, close your sunroof cover and position yourself away from the sunroof to avoid shattered glass

After the storm

1. Document any property damage with photos or videos.

Additional resources

Hail preparation and safety tips for businesses (infographic)

Hail protection for HVAC equipment and skylights (article)

Tips for individuals

Before the storm

1. Inspect your roof for damage and repair any problem areas.
2. Consider installing impact-resistant shingles if re-roofing.
3. Park your car in a garage or cover it with a car cover or heavy blanket.
4. Keep gutters and downspouts clean.
5. Keep trees trimmed and maintained.
6. Move items inside (bikes, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
7. Close the curtains to protect against blowing or shattered glass.

During the storm

1. Seek shelter if you are outside and protect your head from hail.
2. Remain inside and stay away from windows.
3. Do not use phones or electrical outlets during a severe hailstorm where lightning is present or you risk electrocution .
4. Safely pull over to the side of the road if you are driving, close your sunroof cover and position yourself away from the sunroof to avoid shattered glass.

After the storm

1. Document any property damage with photos or videos. 

Additional resources

Hail preparation and safety tips for homeowners (infographic)

Tips for weathering a hailstorm (video)

Understanding the effects of a hailstorm on your home (article)

Tips for businesses

Flood and water resources

The power of water: How to prepare and protect your business from floods (article)

Water damage: developing an organizational plan for prevention and mitigation of water losses (article)

Water damage prevention for commercial buildings — HVAC systems (article)

Water damage prevention checklist for commercial building HVAC systems (article)

Water damage prevention for commercial buildings — grounds maintenance and landscaping (article)

Tips for individuals

Power outage resources

How to handle a power outage in cold weather (article) 

Tips for businesses

Disaster preparedness — practice the plan with workers

Emergencies — being prepared makes business sense

Business continuity planning in action: a guide to keep your business ready for an emergency

Emergency Preparedness Plan (EZ-PREP)

Business Continuity Plan (OFB-EZ)

Tips for individuals

Emergency preparedness tips for homeowners