Breezing Through Hurricane Season

By David Wilhite

In any given year, during the months of June through November, an average ofthree hurricanes will strike the United States. In 1995, hurricanes accountedfor more than 100 deaths and caused billions of dollars in damage. NationalWeather Service experts agree that science will never provide a full solution tohurricane safety. The question is: How can self-storage facility ownersoperating on vulnerable coastlines protect themselves and their businessoperations from harm?

Since coastal areas are vulnerable to storms, facility owners in those areasshould enter each hurricane season prepared. Aside from such basic safety issuesas having an evacuation plan in place and stockpiling emergency supplies, youshould be absolutely certain you have appropriate insurance coverage in place toprotect your business in case of disaster. Don't gamble on luck to protectyou--the price you pay will be much higher in the long run.

Your first step is to secure adequate insurance coverage. In addition toprotecting your business from hurricane- and wind-induced damage, a completeinsurance package should also include loss-of-business income coverage andextra-expense coverage to protect your finances in the event of a loss. (Smartshoppers, take note: Your best bet is to purchase property coverage on aspecial-form basis, which also protects against hail, smoke, explosion and otherperils unless the policy specifically excludes them.)

Once your coverage is in place, there are a several other steps you can taketo prepare against disaster. If you own a camcorder, you can videotape theinterior and exterior of your facility, describing each item as you record it(be sure to store the tape in a secure location away from your premises).Alternately, you can prepare a list of your valuables with photos. Either methodcan save a great deal of time and trouble when making a claim.

Once a hurricane watch has been issued, precautions should be takenimmediately to protect your facility. Board up windows or secure them with stormshutters, and brace all exterior doors shut. Secure any loose objectssurrounding the area, such as trash cans, signs, etc., so they don't becomeflying missiles. Unplug electrical items and shut off gas lines--hurricanesmoving inland can cause severe flooding, which brings attendant risks of fireand electrocution. Above all, play it safe. Monitor the progress of the stormthrough National Weather Service advisories and be prepared to evacuate the areaimmediately. Hurricane warnings may be issued only hours before a storm strikes,so plan your time accordingly. Avoid any last-minute rush that may leave youstranded if disaster threatens, and stay calm.

After the storm passes, call your insurance company as soon as possible toreport a claim. Avoid the temptation to sightsee affected areas--you may bemistaken for a looter. Carry valid identification, along with proof of residencyand your business license. Drive carefully through debris-strewn areas, andwatch for fallen power lines, especially in areas with standing water. Enteryour business with caution. Don't use matches in case of gas leaks, and don'tuse electricity until your business has been checked by proper authorities. Ifthe area in which your facility is located in is heavily affected, it could taketwo to four weeks or longer before local roads are cleared and the area openedto the public.

A catastrophic loss can deliver a knockout punch that can devastate yourfinancial future. Don't put yourself at risk.

In addition to loss-of-income and extra-expense coverages, UniversalInsurance Facilities Ltd. offers a complete package of coverages specificallydesigned to meet the needs of the self-storage industry. For more information,or to get a quick, no-obligation quote, write P.O. Box 40079, Phoenix, AZ85067-0079; call 800.844.2101; fax 480.970.6240; e-mail [email protected];www.vpico.com/universal.