My hometown of Phoenix has already hit 100 degrees. But the past couple of weeks have also brought plenty of wind. When it’s warm in Arizona, the dry wind hitting you in the face feels like standing under a blow-dryer. However, last Thursday was a bit overcast, and the wind was actually a cool breeze.

The same day, I came across an article about a very different type of wind: hurricanes. Unfortunately, weather experts are once again predicting a nasty hurricane season, which extends through November. According to an article on MSN.com, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict there will be up to 16 named storms and possibly five major hurricanes, with at least one hitting U.S. shores. The main cause: climate conditions.

Storage owners who live in hurricane areas should already be preparing for the season. This could include a variety of things from roof to door maintenance. If you’re new to the industry or hurricane area and not sure how to prepare, contact your door, roof and building suppliers for advice. You can find many valuable resources in the ISS Buyer’s Guide.

I also recommend reading legal columnist Jeffrey Greenberger’s article on disaster plans. Regardless of where you live, every business should have one.

Another area where you should be prepared is your insurance. Insurance columnist Scott Lancaster addressed the topic in the January issue. According to Lancaster’s article, catastrophic losses from 2005’s Hurricane Katrina estimated between $40 and $41.5 billion. That’s billion with a b.

To safeguard your company, your property and your customers, don’t delay. Create a plan of action today. To share your hurricane preparation strategices, click on "Post a Comment."