CBS News Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness

Protecting Your Operations and Employees

Hurricanes are unpredictable and can cause significant damage to businesses, disrupting operations and endangering employees. Preparing for such events is essential to minimize risks and ensure business continuity. Below are key steps businesses can take to prepare for hurricanes effectively.

1. Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

  • Create a detailed EOP that outlines procedures for evacuation, communication, and safety measures.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities to employees, ensuring everyone knows their part during an emergency.
  • Regularly review and update the plan to address new risks or changes in operations.

2. Secure Your Physical Assets

  • Inspect your building for vulnerabilities, such as loose roofing or windows, and make necessary repairs.
  • Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against flying debris.
  • Relocate critical equipment and inventory to higher ground or secure storage areas.

3. Safeguard Data and Technology

  • Back up all critical data and store it in secure, off-site locations or cloud-based systems.
  • Protect servers and electronic equipment by elevating them and using surge protectors.
  • Ensure your IT team has a disaster recovery plan in place to restore systems quickly.

4. Communicate with Employees

  • Establish clear communication channels to keep employees informed before, during, and after the hurricane.
  • Share evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and safety protocols.
  • Encourage employees to prepare their homes and families for the storm.

5. Review Property Coverages

  • Work with your property coverage provider to ensure your ministries have coverage for hurricane-related damages, including property, business interruption, and liability.
  • Document your assets and keep records of inventory to streamline claims processes.

6. Plan for Business Continuity

  • Identify alternative work locations or remote work options to maintain operations if your primary site is affected.
  • Establish partnerships with suppliers and vendors to ensure continuity in the supply chain.
  • Test your business continuity plan regularly to identify gaps and improve resilience.

7. Stay Informed

  • Monitor weather updates and alerts from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center.
  • Act promptly when warnings are issued to implement your emergency plan.

Preparedness Information for Risk Pooling Trust Members

If your organization experiences storm damage or needs guidance on preparing for severe weather, CBS is here to help every step of the way.

After a storm hits your area, visually inspect your property for damage as soon as possible. If there is damage discovered, you can start the claims process by calling our 24/7 claim reporting line, 877-735-2270. It is important to start the claims process immediately to avoid future issues.

You may try to mitigate your damages by starting temporary repairs such as boarding up windows or tarping roofs as soon as possible.

Avoid retaining unknown contractors and do not sign anything before speaking with Christian Brothers Services or one of our claims representatives.

After storms hit, predatory contractors, often known as storm chasers, quickly enter affected areas. It is important to not sign anything before you hear from Christian Brothers Services as you may be signing away your rights to these contractors and promising them a percentage of your claim settlement. These firms often appear helpful, professional, and knowledgeable, but their financial incentives don’t align with your best interests. They often inflate the costs in order to increase their share of the claim settlement. The higher costs ultimately have an impact on every member of the Trust community.

If you are not sure who to call, our claims professionals will be able to assist you. We can recommend reputable and fair contractors that we have worked with and trust. For catastrophic events like hurricanes we even have restoration companies on standby in the area with manpower and equipment reserved specifically for Christian Brothers Services members.

CBS’s claims team works actively to prevent these scenarios, protect ministries, and ensure fair, honest, and mission‑aligned recovery after a loss.  Our goal is to ensure you receive honest guidance, fair pricing, and the support you need to recover after a loss. We are here to do what is right and help ensure you receive every dollar you need.

Conclusion

Hurricane preparedness is not just about protecting physical assets; it’s about safeguarding your people and ensuring your ministries can recover quickly. By taking proactive steps, organizations can reduce the impact of hurricanes and emerge stronger after the storm. Remember, preparation today can save lives and resources tomorrow!

To ensure your organization is ready for hurricane season, watch the Christian Brothers Risk Solutions on-demand webinar: Hurricane Preparedness.

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