Severe storm preparation and safety tips for businesses

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Fast facts
40 million lighting strikes hit the ground each year in the U.S. - CDC 
A flash of lightning can heat the air around it so it’s 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun. – National Geographic
The odds of being struck by lightning in one’s lifetime (estimated 80 years) are 1 in 15,300. – National Weather Service 

Prepare today
Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan that includes lightning and thunderstorm preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if they see lighting or hear thunder.
Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability. 

Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before you are faced with a weather hazard.
Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage. 

To help avoid any future hail damage:
Inspect your roof - Repair any problem areas.
Think impact-resistance - Select a hail impact-resistant roof for a new building or when re-roofing.
Protect electrical systems - Consider installing hail guards to protect HVAC systems or purchasing HVAC equipment with factory-installed hail guards.
Keep trees trimmed and maintained.
Clean your gutters - Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear to ensure water can efficiently drain from your roof.

Before the storm
Secure outdoor heating and cooling units – Check HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
Move items inside – Outdoor equipment, materials and furniture may blow around during the storm and cause damage. 
Park your fleet in a garage - Take the keys with you to a secure location.
Remove items from the floor – Transfer items to higher ground in case of flooding.
Take photographs – Get a pre-storm record of your property.
 
During the storm
Stay indoors – Keep away from windows and move to an interior room if possible. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.
Find safe shelter (not under trees) if you are outside.
Remain in your vehicle if you are driving -  Pull over to a safe location if driving becomes difficult.
Listen to weather updates - Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
Avoid using electric appliances.
Wait to go outside – Remain inside 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.
Notify our claims team if there is damage.
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to start a claim.

How to report a claim

Online at www.hanover.com

By phone: 800-628-0250

By mobile app: Hanover mobile

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.