It’s here – storm season starts in June and doesn’t end until November. Many salons are tenants in strip malls and even though you don’t own the building, any damage to your building will negatively affect your business. Weather is unpredictable, even if you are not located in a storm prone area, your business can still be affected by tornadoes, hail storms, and wind storms. Preparation is your best defense against a weather-related emergency at your salon. If you haven’t created a plan or it hasn’t been reviewed in a while, here are some basic tips to help you prepare and respond to a storm:
Plan Ahead
Remember to keep emergency contact information readily available for you and your staff: the nearest police station, medical facilities and emergency contacts.
Create a safety plan! Your staff should know where to go to stay safe in an emergency, and you should keep a safety kit in that designated area.
Keep the contact info of your insurance agent and/or your insurance company’s claims department stored in your list of emergency numbers.
Know in advance what steps to take to submit a claim.
Review Your Coverage
- Some policies have storm-related exclusions and large deductibles, so be aware of what your policy covers and what limitations are involved.
- Review your limits. If you updated your equipment, you might need higher business personal property (contents) limits.
- Business Interruption coverage is very important after a covered cause of loss so review this policy with your specialized insurance agent.
- Most insurance companies won’t start coverage during a storm so plan in advance. Don’t wait to call when the storm is headed your way.
If Catastrophe Happens, Report!
After everyone is safe, contact your insurance agent or the claims department right away. When there is a national storm, there are probably thousands of people reporting claims. Try to be patient.
Keep records of everything, write down the details, take photos and keep receipts.
To provide the promptest service, give the claims department your best contact info so the adjuster can reach you quickly.
Take Action
The salon might need to be inspected to assess the damage. In the meantime, ensure everyone’s safety. Check for power issues, gas issues, and if necessary, contact public authorities right away.
Take the necessary precautions to prevent or reduce further damage. Most insurance companies will pay for reasonable or necessary repairs which safeguard your operation to prevent further damage. In order to get reimbursed, keep records of everything and take photos.
Creating a plan individual to your business operations will help you in the event of an emergency. Discuss the safety plan with your staff and review it as needed. For additional tips and suggestions, feel free to contact Universal Insurance. Stay Safe! n
