Hurricanes

Arm yourself with valuable lessons and tips to prepare this season.

Disaster Claims Hotline (877) 244 0304

Tips to Help you Prepare for a Hurricane

Emergency Response Team

Establish a Hurricane Emergency Response team and keep the contact list current. When a hurricane is imminent, assemble the team, supplies and equipment at a designated safe location on site.

Power Supply

Anticipate loss of electrical power and other utilities. Consider emergency generators, alternative fuels, and similar contingency arrangements. Make  sure your generator, if you have one, is serviced and ready if needed with a full tank of fuel.

Transportation

Identify alternative means of transportation and alternative routes for all critical personnel, services, suppliers, contractors and establish relationships  with lease and rental companies. Establish emergency communication methods. Release non-essential staff or direct them to a designated safe location.

Monitor

Monitor weather and flood reports through the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Plans

Prepare or locate and maintain a scaled plan or diagram of the facility that clearly shows the location of fire protection & emergency equipment. If flood is anticipated, obtain and review applicable flood maps for each location and evaluate flood susceptibility of each building. Check and seal any other possible water entry points & deenergize equipment that may be submerged.

Buildings & Structures

Review the structural integrity of each building and structure, including rotted wood, rusted metal, physical damage, loose/missing fasteners, etc. Replace or repair all damaged, missing or compromised components.

Roofs, Walls & Windows

Inspect roof coverings, perimeter flashings, gutters, drains, ventilators and other roof-mounted equipment. Inspect exterior wall coverings for attachment, damage and weather tightness. Board up windows, operate shutters, tie down equipment.

Businesses & Enterprises

If you operate near hurricane prone areas, have a plan of what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes.

The following tips and actions may be helpful to consider before a hurricane.

Action to Take Before the Storm Season 

  • Establish a Hurricane Emergency Response team and keep the contact list up to date
  • Service your generators and other back-up power equipment regularly; weekly trip tests and periodic full load testing should be done 
  • Identify alternative means of transportation and alternative routes for all critical personnel, services, suppliers, contractors and establish relationships with lease and rental companies

Buildings and Structures

  • Review the structural integrity of each building and structure, including rotted wood, rusted metal, physical damage, loose/missing fasteners, etc. 
  • Replace or repair all damaged, missing or compromised components. Inspect roof coverings, perimeter flashings, gutters, drains, ventilators and other roof-mounted equipment. Inspect exterior wall coverings for attachment, damage and weather tightness
  • Check and seal any other possible water entry points. Purchase and store any material needed for storm protection, such as lumber and hardware 

Fire Protection 

  • Obtain a scaled blueprint of the facility that identifies the location of all fire protection and other emergency equipment; keep it offsite 
  • Inspect fire water tanks for structural integrity 
  • Ensure that all fire protection equipment is serviced and operational 

Emergency Communication

  • Make arrangement for several forms of emergency communications including cell phones, two-way radios and ham radio operators

When a Storm is Imminent

Assemble the hurricane emergency response team, supplies and equipment at a designated safe location on site. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a resource with current storm updates and preparedness guidance. You can access it at https://www.noaa.gov/weather

Consider the Following

  • Emergency lighting 
  • Plywood and screws 
  • Sandbags 
  • Portable pumps and hoses 
  • Emergency generators 
  • Roofing paper 
  • Caulking compound 
  • Tarps and rope 
  • Tools, manual and power 
  • Shovels, axes, etc. 
  • Saws and chains 
  • Sandbags 
  • Emergency telephone lists 
  • Tape for windows doors and other openings
  • Non-perishable food, water, first aid equipment, lighting, and two-way communication equipment for the team that will remain on site 
  • Protect important paper records from wind, rain, flooding and debris 
  • When/if the decision is made, shut down operations and processes safely in accordance with original equipment manufacturers recommendations 
  • Back up important computer data and records and store backups in a safe location, preferably offsite 
  • Release non-essential staff or direct them to a designated safe location

Buildings and Structures

  • Fill all aboveground tanks with product to improve stability and minimize damage from wind 
  • Anchor and tie down all structures, equipment and storage in the yard including small buildings and sheds, trailers, conveyors, mobile equipment, lumber, process equipment; move smaller objects inside 
  • When possible, move important equipment and stock if subject to potential wind, collapse, water or other weather exposure; if equipment or stock cannot be relocated consider additional protection with lumber, tarps and ropes 
  • Move elevators up above potential flood levels 
  • Board up windows, operate shutters and tie down equipment as needed

Emergency Equipment

  • Ensure emergency generators, water pumps, etc., are operational and fuel tanks are full 
  • Clean all catch basins, drains, and drainage ditches
  • Lower the levels of retention ponds; ensure all sump pumps are operational and connected to emergency power 

Fire Protection

  • Ensure all fuel tanks are full and all outside fire protection equipment is secured 
  • Verify all fire water tanks and reservoirs are full

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a resource with current storm updates and preparedness guidance. You can access it at https://www.noaa.gov/weather

Tips for Businesses

  • Designate a member of the Hurricane Emergency Response Team to monitor weather conditions and communicate required actions as regularly as possible 
  • Turn off non-essential lighting, machinery and equipment. Anticipate power outages and surges; be prepared to shut down susceptible systems such as computers 
  • Board up windows, operate shutters, tie down equipment as needed 
  • Shut off all flammable and combustible liquid piping and gas lines at the source or entry into the property to reduce the likelihood of release if pipes are broken; when equipment or processes must be kept in operation, service to all other areas of the plant should be secured using isolation valves; pipes should be properly supported and protected from wind and debris 
  • Avoid elevators 
  • The plant emergency organization should remain on site if safe to do so until the emergency has passed; patrol the property looking for structural damage, fires and flooding

Consider Flooding Potential

  • De-energize equipment that may be submerged 
  • Move equipment and stock to higher locations or protect with sandbags, consider raising elevators 
  • Verify operation of pumps and other de-watering equipment

Prepare to Evacuate Under the Following Scenarios

  • If you are directed by local authorities—follow evacuation orders and other instructions 
  • If you are in a mobile home or temporary structures— such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground 
  • If in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations

Tips for Businesses

  • Designate a member of the Hurricane Emergency Response Team to monitor weather conditions and communicate required actions as regularly as possible 
  • Turn off non-essential lighting, machinery and equipment. Anticipate power outages and surges; be prepared to shut down susceptible systems such as computers 
  • Board up windows, operate shutters, tie down equipment as needed 
  • Shut off all flammable and combustible liquid piping and gas lines at the source or entry into the property to reduce the likelihood of release if pipes are broken; when equipment or processes must be kept in operation, service to all other areas of the plant should be secured using isolation valves; pipes should be properly supported and protected from wind and debris 
  • Avoid elevators 
  • The plant emergency organization should remain on site if safe to do so until the emergency has passed; patrol the property looking for structural damage, fires and flooding

Consider Flooding Potential

  • De-energize equipment that may be submerged 
  • Move equipment and stock to higher locations or protect with sandbags, consider raising elevators 
  • Verify operation of pumps and other de-watering equipment

Prepare to Evacuate Under the Following Scenarios

  • If you are directed by local authorities – follow evacuation orders and other instructions 
  • If you are in a mobile home or temporary structures – such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground 
  • If in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations

AIG Private Client Group

The following information is intended to help you prepare your family and property in the event of a hurricane and possible evacuation:

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued for Your Area 

  • Know your zone: Authority-ordered evacuation is called based on the possibility of storm surge and flooding, not due to the pending landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane. 
  • Visit www.flash.org and search “evacuation zones” to find your location and more information regarding mandatory and voluntary evacuation.
  • Know your home: Even if you are not located in an evacuation zone, your home may be unsafe to inhabit during a hurricane due to lack of wind mitigation. If your home is not constructed to withstand high winds, be prepared to move to a safer location. 
  • Ensure that your emergency supply kit is assembled in the event evacuation is necessary. The American Red Cross recommends every family have an emergency supply kit assembled prior to hurricane season, including:
    • Three day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) 
    • Non-perishable food for all family members and pets (three-day supply)
    • First aid kit 
    • Flashlight, battery operated radio, and extra batteries
    • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, travelers checks and cash
    • Sanitation supplies and personal hygiene items 
    • Map 
    • Extra clothing and shoes for all family members
    • Important family documents and phone numbers 
    • Prescriptions and medications 
    • Personal computers, phones and cameras (with necessary chargers)

For additional information on emergency supplies, visit the American Red Cross Website at www.redcross.org.

  • Have all important documentation compiled and stored in a water-tight container or bag. Be sure to include government issued identification, birth certificates, social security cards, credit card or banking information, important contact numbers and insurance documents. 
  • Fill your vehicle’s gas tank as well as the gas tank of any back-up generator to be utilized in the event of a power outage. Generators should be tested under load prior to the storm. Additional fuel reservoirs can also be filled and stored in a safe, predesignated area. Gasoline and propane should never be stored inside your home. 
  • If evacuating, leave quickly to avoid unnecessary road congestion. Have a predetermined destination prior to evacuation and have alternate travel routes planned in the event of road closures. 
  • Monitor local news and radio stations for weather updates and alerts.

Outdoor Checklist

  • Remove all patio furniture, outdoor planters and decorative items and store them inside your home or garage to prevent damage and to keep them from becoming projectiles in high winds. 
  • Verify that your pool and/or spa have adequate water levels to maintain structural pressure as water tables fluctuate. Never store glass or metal furniture in your pool as the surface could be compromised. 
  • Remove large light fixtures or ceilings fans when possible, or secure them to prevent swaying or breakage. 
  • Secure fireplace dampers and flues. 
  • Install storm shutters or close and lock all impact rated windows and doors. Shutter installation often takes several days therefore a deployment plan should be in place well in advance of hurricane season. 
  • Close and secure your garage door.

Indoor Checklist

  • Photograph the interior of your home so that you have documentation of interior finishes and personal possessions. 
  • Move furniture away from all windows and doors and cover with plastic or tarps if possible. 
  • Remove drapes or wrap them in plastic or garbage bags to prevent them from making contact with the floor. 
  • Roll decorative rugs and move them away from openings.
  • Place mats, blankets or towels across the thresholds of doors to prevent water infiltration. 
  • Carefully pack photos, mementos, and other important personal items in water tight or water resistant containers and store in a safe room or closet. 
  • Execute your emergency plan for any fine art, jewelry or other collectibles.

If You are Unable to Evacuate

  • Have adequate supplies to last for several days including water, necessary medications, first aid kit, batteries and flashlights. 
  • Be sure cell phones and computers are charged prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds. 
  • Find shelter away from windows and doors until the storm passes.

  • If evacuated, only return once officials say it is safe. 
  • Stay alert for any extended rainfall, storm surge or flooding. 
  • Drive only if necessary. 
  • Do not walk or drive through flooded areas or across downed power lines. 
  • Document any damage to your home or property when it is safe to do so. 

To initiate a claim, please call our claims department at 888-760-9195

If you have questions regarding the protection of your collections and valuables, contact our art collection management department at artcollections.pcg@aig.com.

For additional information, visit www.ready.gov

Download AIG Private Client Group Hurricane Checklist [PDF]

Downloadable Materials

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before-a-hurricane-tip-sheet.pdf
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113 KB
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application/pdf
Before a Hurricane Tip Sheet

Filename
during-a-hurricane-tip-sheet.pdf
Size
108 KB
Format
application/pdf
During a Hurricane Tip Sheet

Filename
after-a-hurricane-tip-sheet.pdf
Size
106 KB
Format
application/pdf
After a Hurricane Tip Sheet

Filename
hurricane-preparedness-and-evacuation-tips.pdf
Size
110 KB
Format
application/pdf
AIG Private Client Group Hurricane Checklist