Storm Safety | Safeguard Your Inn During Spring Storms

Spring is here, but don’t be fooled by the pretty flowers and chirping birds. This season can unleash some of the year’s most dangerous weather and wreak havoc on a business’s operations. Make sure your inn is prepared by reacquainting yourself with these spring weather threats and the measures you can take to minimize damage.

Dangerous Spring Weather

Unexpected severe weather events, including the following, increases the risk of property damage, injury and even death.

• Tornadoes: According to AccuWeather, tornadoes are by far the most extreme event in the spring. Winds from tornadoes can exceed 200 miles per hour, sending debris flying.
• Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds, large hail and lightning. When lightning strikes in a dry area, fires can occur.

Ensure your inn is prepared for the unexpected. Check out these common risk exposures!

• Flooding: Snowmelt, ice jams and heavy rain can produce large amounts of water runoff in a short period of time, resulting in floods. 
• Blizzards: Spring snowstorms may cause power outages, property damage or businesses shutdowns. 
• Excessive Heat: The second half of spring typically brings higher temperatures, leading to heat-related disorders or illnesses if employees work outdoors.

Actions Innkeepers Can Take

There are several strategies inn owners can implement to help keep their employees and guests safe and reduce the risks related to severe storms. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Develop a plan. If employees must travel to work, severe spring weather could put them in danger. In addition, shelter-in-place orders or power outages could also pose threats to onsite employees and guests. Having a plan in place can help everyone remain safe during an emergency. Outline what employees should do in different circumstances, such as a power loss, and have a communication protocol.
• Monitor weather forecasts. Knowing what weather is on the way can help you make adequate preparations. It can also provide innkeepers with information to make decisions regarding early closures to help keep employees and guests safe.
• Protect the property. Dead foliage, weak structures and unsecured materials can become airborne hazards during windstorms and cause damage to buildings and external systems. If severe weather is in the forecast, complete preventive maintenance, close windows securely, bring outdoor furniture inside and clear out storm drains.
• Communicate. Put procedures in place that keep lines of communication intact with employees and guests following severe storms. Power outages may occur and cellphones may not be reliable during disasters, so communication may require the use of tools that do not utilize those systems (e.g., two-way radios).
• Back up data. Severe weather can cause power outages and may physically damage equipment. Back up critical data often to help smoothly rebuild systems.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand. This kit should contain emergency supplies, including flashlights, water, a first-aid kit, blankets, extra batteries, a toolset and current contact information for state and local entities.
• Learn from previous experiences. Reviewing previous severe storms can help identify aspects of your operations that are at risk. It can also help strengthen risk management measures.

Prepare Your Employees

Employees should be informed of your company policies related to inclement weather, including safety, attendance and pay. Establish a communication method to inform your employees of a business closing or delay. When bad weather is coming, address all your policies again, remind employees of communication channels to address attendance and plan for the worst potential outcome to ensure your inn is prepared. It’s also important to communicate with employees regarding when it’s safe to return to work following adverse weather.

Addressing Common Innkeeper Insurance Storm Coverage Gaps

Many inn owners don’t fully understand how coverage gaps can negatively impact their ability to recover after a storm damages their property. It’s crucial to review your current insurance policy with your agent to determine whether coverage gaps could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of a severe storm.

If you have concerns about potential flood damage or live in an area where flooding is common, your agent can help you find a separate flood insurance policy. Flood insurance policies are often issued through the National Flood Insurance Program and may help cover damage caused by rising water, including damage from storms, hurricanes and other weather-related events. However, it’s important to note that there is typically a waiting period of 30 days before flood insurance coverage takes effect.

Don’t Fear the Storm — CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance

In spring, more than one weather event can often occur in the same week or even the same day. Because of the unpredictability of weather this time of year, it can be challenging to be fully prepared. Planning as much as possible is essential to keep your inn, employees and guests safe. For additional safety guidance and insurance solutions for your business, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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