How to lower your insurance risk

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit, independent research group that’s backed by the insurance industry, offers a free Thunderstorm Ready-Business guide to help businesses take proactive steps against storm damage. Among IBHS’s recommendations: 

1. Protect your roof 

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your building during a storm. Winds associated with thunderstorms can easily damage a roof, leading to leaks that ruin inventory, machinery and essential equipment. Reduce this risk by: 

  • Conducting regular roof inspections: Inspect your roof at the start of each season and after any severe storm.
  • Clearing debris: Remove vegetation, trash and loose items from the roof and around rooftop equipment.
  • Checking for damage: Look for aging materials, worn seams, rust, cracks or signs of weathering. Note: IBHS offers detailed roof coverage guidance on its site.
  • Inspecting metal-edge flashing: Ensure that perimeter metal-edge flashing, as well as equipment flashing, is well secured. (Flashing is the waterproof material installed at joints, chimneys and other areas prone to leaks.) 
  • Securing rooftop equipment: Ensure that all rooftop equipment, including HVAC units and satellite dishes, are well secured to the building. Fasten service panels and other rooftop fixtures to prevent them from becoming airborne. Ballasted roof equipment should be removed or secured to the roof.
  • Clear out gutters and downspouts: Removing dead leaves and other debris can prevent water buildup. Upgrade to wind-rated metal gutters if possible. 
  • Upgrade to a Fortified Commercial Roof: Roofing materials that meet the IBHS’s Fortified Commercial Roof standard can minimize the risk of storm damage,  allowing businesses to quickly re-open following thunderstorms, tornadoes and other severe weather.  

2. Reinforce windows, doors and exterior 

Windows and doors are primary entry points for wind and water. Strengthen them by: 

  • Upgrading to impact-rated windows and doors: This helps prevent breakage and wind-driven debris from entering your building. 
  • Sealing cracks and gaps: Use silicone caulk around wall penetrations, windows and door frames to prevent water intrusion. 
  • Adding weatherstripping: Ensure doors and windows close tightly without gaps where daylight is visible. 
  • Protecting critical equipment: Elevate electrical and mechanical systems above flood levels to prevent damage. 

3. Secure outdoor areas and landscaping 

Flying debris is a major hazard during thunderstorms. Reduce risks by: 

  • Trimming trees: Remove overhanging branches and any dead or diseased trees near the building, especially those close to power lines.
  • Securing outdoor signage and awnings: Ensure bolts and screws are intact and free from rust. 
  • Anchoring large outdoor items: Store infrequently used items indoors or secure them in place. 

4. Safeguard electrical systems 

Power outages and surges can damage critical business equipment. Protect your operations by: 

  • Installing a commercial backup generator: This keeps your business running during power failures.
  • Using a wind-rated lightning protection system: Prevents power surges that could damage sensitive equipment. 

Preparation is key 

A strong storm plan protects both property and people. To ensure you have the right plan in place:

  • Include a business continuity plan and a severe weather plan: There are lots of tools you can use to create a business continuity plan. The IBHS offers its own Use Open for Business–EZ (OFB-EZ) toolkit. OFB-EZ provides step-by-step guidance for business owners and staff to build and maintain a plan to prepare for, respond to and recover faster from a minor disruption or major disaster.  
  • Assess your exposure: Conduct a risk assessment to identify the vulnerability of your facilities, critical assets and operational functions that could be affected by severe weather in your area. 
  • Find a reliable source for severe weather information: Follow your local National Weather Service (NWS) office on social media and the NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) on Facebook or X.  

Thunderstorms are inevitable, but damage does not have to be. By reinforcing your facility and maintaining the property, securing key assets and preparing your employees, you can minimize financial losses and ensure business continuity. 

Chuck Miccolis is the former managing director of commercial lines and a building resiliency expert at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, where he specialized in risk reduction, business continuity and emergency preparedness for commercial properties and other communities.