FLORIDA/TEXAS—May is gone, June brings the official arrival of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which lasts from June 1st through November 30, each year. Different from the Pacific Hurricane Season which already began on May 15 and lasts through November 30th as well. While in Florida we keep a close eye on Atlantic basin for hurricanes that may move into the Gulf, for those of us in Texas it is important to note Pacific storms do play a critical role in our weather here locally as well. Although the storms in the Eastern Pacific move northward and usually get caught in the mountains of North Mexico, this sends an abundance of tropical moisture the Central Texas area which could represent some weather issues, but mainly much relief to drought stricken areas during the hottest and driest summer months. In 2022 we are expecting to see a strong La Niña weather pattern playing an important role. For the Eastern Pacific, tropical cyclone growth would likely to be discouraged, and less hurricane development is expected for the Pacific.

For the Atlantic Hurricane Season, however, it may bring concerns about safety and security of our property in occasions. A strong La Niña pattern for the Atlantic suggests more hurricane development.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS BEFORE A HURRICANE STRIKES

SUPPLIES 
It is important that you purchase ahead of time the equipment and supplies necessary to protect and possibly repair your property in the event disaster strikes. Keep equipment and tools in an easily accessible place. Personal supplies that may be needed by you or your employees (i.e., water, food, cooking supplies, and first aid kits) during an evacuation or during the recovery period, should be stored in an easy-to-carry container.

BUSINESS SUPPLIES 
-Heavy plastic sheeting 
-Duct tape 
-Masking tape 
-Sandbags 
-Emergency generator 
-Storm shutters 
-Chain saw 
-Large pieces of plywood 
-Hand tools 
-Cellular phone, battery charger, and automobile adapter 
-Hurricane Survival Guide 

PROPERTY

-Invest in and install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows and doors from wind borne-debris.
-Have the roof of your building evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm.
-Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
-Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding.
-Anchor and brace any large furniture (bookcases, shelves, filing cabinets) to wall studs.
-Relocate any valuable or fragile possessions.
-Secure all utilities including water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damages.
-Secure electronics such as computers and other office equipment with straps or Velcro.
-Turn off all the utilities prior to a hurricane making landfall if possible.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

-Designate important contacts to save that are crucial to business operations, such as employees, banks, lawyers, accountants, suppliers, etc.
-Back-up documents that are not easily produced such as insurance documents, legal contracts, tax returns, and accounting statements to avoid water damage.
-Seal these documents in waterproof containers onsite.
-Save all your designated contacts and documents in an alternate, accessible off-site location.

KEEPING A CHECKLIST

The following list of items should be gathered in one location at your place of business should a storm hit while you are on premises. This will help protect the safety of your employees should disaster strike during regular working hours on a short notice.
-Battery supply for your phone or battery operated radio or television to follow instructions provided by authorities.
-Non-perishable three day food supply for you and your employees
-Three day supply of water for you and your employees (One gallon of water per person, per day)
-Coolers and containers for water and washing
-Blankets, pillows, cots, and chairs
-First Aid Kit and first aid manual
-Flashlights, batteries, light-sticks
-Tool kit (basic tools, gloves, etc.)
-Camera and film for documenting damages
-Whistle/signal flare to signal for help
-Tarps, plastic bags, duct tape
-Cleaning supplies, including mops, towels and garbage cans
-Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
-Electric generator
-Gas for vehicles, generators and other equipment
-Cash, ATM cards, credit cards proper identification

Emergency contact information such as the nearest hospital and police, along with:
Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-359-2227
FEMA Tele-registration hot-line: 1-800-462-9029

Most important of all, be prepared and stay safe.

At Garzor Insurance we care about your business. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing commercial insurance, including BOP coverage and business general liability coverage in Florida as well as Texas, and now many other states across the U.S. If you also have questions about truck or other commercial vehicles insurance, or any other business insurance aspects, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Garzor Insurance, or you may want to call us directly at (321) 206-8035. 

Luis Zorrilla

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tampa Bay

Office Number: 813-200-8995

Cell Phone Number: 786-647-3410