Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Business Owners

“I Had Backups. I Had Insurance. I Still Lost Everything.”

Most people think disasters only ruin the unprepared.

But I was prepared.
I had backups. I had insurance. I knew what I was doing—I’m a pro.

And still, when the hurricane tore the roof off my business, it took everything with it. My servers were destroyed. My equipment soaked. Dreams swamped.

The insurance? Didn’t even come close to covering the cost of doing business.

That storm nearly ended me, not because I wasn’t ready, but because I underestimated what being ready really means.

Why I Created This Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

This isn’t a hypothetical. This is a hard-earned lesson. And if you’re a business owner in a hurricane zone, I’m telling you now:

Don’t assume you’re covered.

I had digital backups. I had policies. But I didn’t have the right coverage. I didn’t have an airtight continuity plan. I didn’t know that a single structural failure—like losing your roof—could ripple through everything else.

So I made this checklist. For people like you. Business owners who want to keep their doors open after the storm.

The Business Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

✓ Continuity Planning

Assign key roles and backups for emergency operations
Example: Your operations manager should know who to call, where backups are stored, and who handles customer updates if you’re unavailable.
Identify alternate work locations (remote or temporary office)
Tip: Partner with a co-working space or have a remote-ready plan for your team.
Create a storm protocol plan with clear timelines
Example: When the storm is 72 hours out, start battening down. At 24 hours, shut down operations.
Test your emergency plan annually
Tip: Simulate a real scenario with your team and review what worked and what didn’t.

✓ Property Protection

Secure windows, doors, and roof structures
Example: Use storm shutters and reinforce doors, especially warehouse or delivery entrances.
Move valuable equipment away from windows or to higher ground
Tip: Elevate servers and electronics on metal shelving or above flood lines.
Unplug all nonessential electronics
Example: Surge protectors help, but full power-down prevents fry-outs during surges.
Stock sandbags or flood barriers if in a flood-prone area
Tip: Keep supplies on-hand, not in a last-minute panic from the hardware store.

✓ Data & Records

Back up all critical data offsite or in the cloud
Example: Use encrypted cloud backups with version history—daily if possible.
Store physical records in waterproof containers or scan them
Tip: Fireproof + waterproof storage boxes are worth every penny.
Keep copies of insurance policies, licenses, and banking info offsite
Example: Save a copy to a secure USB drive stored at home or with a trusted partner.

✓ Communication Plans

Create a phone/email tree for staff updates
Tip: Assign team leads to check in on their groups and confirm everyone’s safety.
Draft emergency messages in advance for customers
Example: “Due to Hurricane [Name], our location will be closed from [date] to [date]. Stay tuned for updates.”
Designate a spokesperson for public updates or social media
Tip: Avoid mixed messages—stick to one voice across all platforms.

✓ Post-Storm Recovery

Document damage with photos/videos before cleaning up
Example: Walk the perimeter and inside with your phone before touching anything.
Notify insurance providers immediately
Tip: Most policies have a limited window for claims—call even if you’re not sure yet.
Prioritize safety checks before reentering the building
Example: Look for live wires, gas leaks, and water damage before sending in staff.
Contact customers with service updates or delays
Tip: Be honest, clear, and human. Customers appreciate transparency during chaos.