Is your business prepared for a storm?

With storms predicted to hit the UK, it’s important to take precautions to keep your business, people and customers safe. High winds, plummeting temperatures, heavy rainfall and snow combine to create a dangerous scenario that can have a devastating effect on your business. Ensure you are fully prepared for further upcoming storms this winter with our tips to consider below: 

Preparing your business for a storm

• For the latest storm updates, sign up for alerts from the Met Office
• Create an emergency storm kit containing essentials for when you’re away from the home, e.g., phone, portable phone charger, food, water, medicine, first aid kit, blankets and cosy clothes, torch, etc
• Stay indoors where possible and only travel if necessary 
• Invest in property protection products such as flood barriers, air brick covers and sandbags – your local authority may supply sandbags to businesses
• Turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
• Clear gutters of fallen leaves and debris to avoid clogged drains
• Ensure everyone is in a safe place when the storm hits
• For businesses, move stock and equipment to higher floors if possible
• Move all vehicles to higher ground if it is safe to do so
• Lock all doors and windows
• Cut away any loose tree branches close to your commercial building
• Secure any loose items that live outside of the building, signage, bins etc
• Repair any roof leaks and check for loose tiles/flashing which might fly off. Also check satellites/aerials are properly secured and gutters/downpipes. 

Get prepared now

While we hope that it won’t be needed, it’s wise to get to terms with your insurance details when stormy conditions strike. Make sure you’re aware of what you need to do and who you need to contact when it comes to making a claim, from gathering evidence to reporting, as this will be key to ensuring a swift and simple claims process. If you want any information on this, just get in touch with your broker and/or insurer or check your policy documents.

Taking a few simple precautions now can help prevent costly disruption to your business.

How commercial property insurance can protect against storm damage

It’s important to have the right commercial property insurance in place, so you’re protected if the worst happens. This will help to protect your property against storm damage, and offers public liability cover in the event of someone being injured on your property.

At Towergate, we offer policies for a wide range of commercial properties, taking a tailored approach to ensure your policy fits your needs. For a no-obligation review of your existing cover or to talk to someone about arranging a new policy, just get in touch.

About the author

Alison Wild BCom (Hons), FMAAT, MATT, Taxation Technician is a highly respected industry professional who has been working with and advising SMEs in areas including tax, pensions, insurance and marketing for over 25 years. She is a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) and also has over 20 years' experience as a residential landlord.

Consistent with our policy when giving comments and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.