Having clear, actionable plans in place before a hurricane or tropical storm strikes can help your hotel, restaurant, or casino minimize damage to people and property and recover as quickly as possible. The following steps can help owners and operators prepare in advance of a significant storm.

Evaluate property loss control and property security:

• Review plans or policies for mitigating property damage before a storm hits and for recovery when it is over.
• Identify security resources — fencing, barriers, additional manpower, and so on — that may be needed.
• Identify locations — your own and your suppliers’ — that might be exposed to direct or indirect hurricane damage.

Evaluate business continuity, emergency response, and crisis management plans:

• Review and update business continuity plans based on potential impacts inside and outside the strike zone.
• Assess crisis management procedures and tiered-response actions that elevate as impacts and disruptions become more severe.
• Develop tailored messaging and communications for suppliers, guests, and employees regarding hurricane policies and procedures.

Plan for employee and guest safety:

• Ensure all employees and guests are aware of emergency policies and procedures.
• Establish procedures to account for employees and guests and to disseminate information.
• Review human-resource-related issues, including skills inventories and potential payment to injured, homeless, or evacuated staff or guests.

Evaluate claims preparation and management issues:

• Review and update procedures and responsibilities for gathering and processing claims information.  This should include identifying outside resources needed for claims preparation and recovery.
• Meet with insurers to set claims management protocols, and determine who will represent insurers and your organization in the adjustment of claims.  Be prepared to meet with all parties to establish claims and communications guidelines immediately after an event.
• Determine if all asset values are up-to-date to reflect current values for potential claims involving property damage, business interruption, and other coverage areas.