High wind safety tips and resources for businesses
High winds can be dangerous and are capable of causing significant damage and disruption. Powerful gusts can uproot trees, damage roofs and send debris flying, resulting in property damage and power outages. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the wind and keep your employees and property safe.
Before the storm
- Secure outdoor heating and cooling units, including HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
- Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
- Secure openings (doors, windows, garage doors) from flying objects and high winds using shutters or plywood to prevent breach of the building and the creation of pressure differentials that could force the roof off the building.
- Back up data off-site in case there is damage to computer systems and files.
What is a high wind warning?
A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds reach or exceed 40 mph for an hour or longer, or when wind gusts reach or exceed 58 mph for any duration.
During the storm
- Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
- Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
- Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that high winds are no longer a threat to your area.
After the storm
- Inspect gas, electrical and water lines for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks.
- Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
- Stay out of damaged buildings until it is safe to do so.
- Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
- Log all post-event clean-up efforts and expenses.
- 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.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.
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Explore high wind resources
Find tips on additional ways to stay protected during high winds:
See additional resources
- - National Weather Service
- - National Weather Service
- - Red Cross
- - FEMA
High wind safety tips and resources for businesses
High winds can be dangerous and are capable of causing significant damage and disruption. Powerful gusts can uproot trees, damage roofs and send debris flying, resulting in property damage and power outages. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the wind and keep your employees and property safe.
Before the storm
- Secure outdoor heating and cooling units, including HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
- Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) that may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
- Secure openings (doors, windows, garage doors) from flying objects and high winds using shutters or plywood to prevent breach of the building and the creation of pressure differentials that could force the roof off the building.
- Back up data off-site in case there is damage to computer systems and files.
What is a high wind warning?
A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds reach or exceed 40 mph for an hour or longer, or when wind gusts reach or exceed 58 mph for any duration.
During the storm
- Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to an interior room if possible.
- Listen to weather updates. Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
- Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that high winds are no longer a threat to your area.
After the storm
- Inspect gas, electrical and water lines for damage. Look for structural damage such as foundation cracks.
- Document any property damage with photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
- Stay out of damaged buildings until it is safe to do so.
- Avoid touching power lines and assume all downed power lines are live.
- Log all post-event clean-up efforts and expenses.
- 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.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.
SOURCES:
, ,