The 2019 hurricane season is here

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is off to yet another early start. Here’s what you need to know.
Remember, that adequate planning and preparedness are the best defense to face this threat. The time we
spend to tune up and test the action plan for your business is key to enabling a fast and successful
recovery.

Did you know that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season produced a total of 15 named storms, 8 of which turned into hurricanes and 2 were included on the list of major hurricanes? Florence, Cat. 4 and Michael, Cat. 5. Worldwide, the number of catastrophic events associated with hurricanes and flooding has increased over time and all of us must be prepared. Here are some useful recommendations from our engineers and claims managers:

1. Review your contingency plan, particularly in regard to your key suppliers, evacuation routes and how to resume your business operations making use of available resources.
2. Make sure your company’s insured value and coverage are updated accordingly.
3. Monitor radio and television newscasts for hurricane alerts.
4. Develop an adequate plan to protect your core equipment, including computers and files (e.g., back up computerized records, backup copies, etc.), and store information in alternate and safe locations.
5. If necessary, develop a system to facilitate the identification and communication of your employees, during and after the emergency (e.g., safety vests with your company’s name and logo, employee emergency cards, and vehicle permissions or ID badges).
6. Establish an emergency hotline to stay connected to employees.
7. Document internal and external damage to your business with video and photographs; this will be helpful in damage assessment and eventual tax deduction.
8. Clear storm drains, rain gutters and downspouts of your store or building.
9. Perform maintenance and operational testing of power generators.
10. Repair water leaks or filtrations in ceilings, walls, doors and windows.
11. Inspect all emergency equipment (e.g., fire protection equipment, first-aids kits, etc.)
12. Make sure to have Liberty Mutual phone numbers on hand and, in the case of damage, send a notice to LatamNewClaim@LibertyMutual.com

The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as a “tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h
(64 knots) or more”.
Colorado State University, in an April 4, 2019 press release, stated that “Tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are
currently slightly below their long-term average values and are consequently considered an inhibiting factor for 2019 Atlantic
hurricane activity as well.”; hence, “The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be slightly below average, with Atlantic
sea surface temperatures slightly cooler than average”.

Here is the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast:

When a hurricane warning is issued:

1. Remove antennas and loose objects from roofs.
2. Coordinate to pay your employees while bank entities are working.
3. Relocate merchandise, equipment and furnishings close to windows and overhead lights to protect them from water damage.
4. Remove all loose objects from desks and tables.
5. Remove paintings and plaques from the walls.
6. Unplug all appliances and equipment.
7. Store loose papers, books and hanging plants, etc. in boxes or place them inside drawers or storage cabinets.
8. Place file cabinets, boxes, computers, and all office equipment, as many as possible, in a safe place.
9. Make sure to have your insurance policies, essential business records, inventories and any other important documentation on hand.
10. Make copies of all your important documents (financial documentation, policies, tax documentation and employee records), and keep them in safe, alternate locations.
11. If your company has a fleet of vehicles, you must coordinate the safekeeping of them in a safe location situated on higher ground.
12. Communicate to your team the importance of being prepared and make sure that everyone has the emergency phone numbers on hand.
13. Take photos of your assets’ current condition and of the implemented actions to protect them.