Did you know that eight of the 10 costliest natural disasters in U.S. history have been hurricanes? Hurricane season is upon us and according to the latest outlook from The Weather Channel, it may be one of the most active for any El Niño season on record due to record-warm Atlantic Ocean water temperatures.
A major hurricane can cause dangerous heavy winds, stormwater runoff, significant levels of flooding, property damage, water contamination and more. Nonprofits today, particularly those in high risks areas, must consider the risks to their structure, equipment, computers/devices, supplies and more in the event of a catastrophic event like a hurricane. Nonprofit operators of human service organizations like senior living centers, youth group homes and daycare centers responsible for the shelter and care services to millions of vulnerable individuals.
After an event like a hurricane, nonprofits need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and infrastructure restoration. As your client focuses on their primary mission, you can play a critical role in preparing them – and ultimately the individuals they serve – for hurricane season and other threatening weather events. Help them know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how they can make the most of their policy.
- Evaluate risks: Every nonprofit should conduct a risk assessment to determine their biggest vulnerabilities if a hurricane should occur from power outages to roof and structure issues.
- Create a checklist: When a hurricane is on the horizon, nonprofits need to act quickly and the best way to do that is to be prepared. Non-profits responsible for the lives of others, including assisted living and daycare centers, need to have a plan on how their clients will be transported and cared for. Collaboration, ahead of time with other non-profits and social services groups in their region is often recommended as well.
- Leverage national resources: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster relief for organizations before, during and after hurricanes and other disasters since. The government assistance programs offered by FEMA extend to emergency shelters, transitional shelters for evacuees, short- and long-term financial benefits and much more. For more information, visit fema.gov.
- Secure the right coverage: At Convelo, the exceptional regional knowledge of our underwriters helps to ensure that your client’s unique risks are covered. We understand better than most that our job is to provide the best possible coverage, at the most competitive pricing, so these organizations can carry on with their missions with peace of mind.
Contact us to learn more about your client’s hurricane and disaster related risks and coverage needs today.