2025 Business Preparedness Checklist
1. Risk Awareness and Business Continuity Planning
The first step in preparation is knowing your vulnerabilities. Businesses should conduct a thorough risk assessment that looks beyond flooding or wind damage and should include power supply dependencies, facility access, supply chain disruptions and employee safety. This evaluation should include both physical and operational risks. Based on that assessment, it is crucial to create or update a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that outlines how operations will continue or be restored after a disaster. This action plan should include critical business functions, alternate contacts, any back-up necessary and emergency communication channels. However, it is not enough just to have this plan. It is important to run regular drills and exercises to ensure staff knows their roles and procedures are able to be done in real situations.
2. Technology and Infrastructure
A strong security system is only as dependable as the infrastructure behind it. During natural disasters, power outages and network failures are inevitable. So, your systems must be able to withstand both. Begin with a full investigation of your equipment. Ensure your external surveillance such as alarms and cameras are weather resistant, able to withstand high winds and rain. Backup all critical systems with uninterruptible power supplies and connect them to a backup generator if able. Cloud-based systems are especially valuable during storms, allowing for back-ups of crucial data as well as remote access and monitoring.
Businesses should also take early steps to reinforce their physical security infrastructure. Windows and doors should be reinforced; access points such as loading docks should also be secured. Hurricanes can quickly wreak havoc on buildings but some of the costliest losses occur when security systems are offline, and properties are vulnerable to unauthorized access, vandalism and looting.
3. Physical Security
When storms hit, the need for on-site security skyrockets. Properties are usually left unattended, systems may be offline, and public resources are stretched thin. In these conditions, physical security becomes the primary defense against unauthorized access, vandalism and looting.
However, many businesses often wait until a storm is coming or has already passed before attempting to get security officer coverage. Off-duty law enforcement, who often additionally work in private security, are typically required to their public duty and become unavailable. At the same time, demand surges for emergency response guard services across all industries, resulting in soaring prices, extensive delays or no coverage at all. Additionally, security measures are often a requirement for insurance companies in the aftermath of disasters. However, if proper preventive measures aren’t taken, by then, availability may be limited or nonexistent.
This is why it’s crucial to discuss Disaster Relief Planning with your security provider well in advance of any weather threats that emerge. This also helps to define post-storm needs as recovery periods can last days or even weeks. Proactive planning not only ensures the availability of security resources when needed most but it also reduces the monumental costs of last-minute coverage, as well as your peace of mind during uncertain times.
Protos supports clients with a comprehensive Disaster Response Program, a nationwide guard network capable of rapid deployment, and access to off-duty law enforcement—when available—prior to reassignment. This integrated approach helps ensure business continuity and security before, during, and after disaster events.
4. Insurance and Documentation
One of the most overlooked aspects of hurricane preparation is documentation. Before the first storm threat, create a detailed inventory of your business’s assets, including technology, security equipment, inventory, furniture and infrastructure. Be sure to capture photos or videos of your facilities, with time stamps and geolocation tags where possible.
This documentation should be stored both locally and in a cloud-based system which should be regularly updated as assets change. Review your insurance policies carefully to make sure of full coverage for all possible damages from natural disasters. It’s crucial to understand your deductibles, policy limits and whether you have business interruption coverage.
Keep your documents safe and accessible by making digital copies of all insurance policies and all other important information and store them in a shared platform accessible to leadership. Also consider keeping hard copies in a weatherproof place on-site.
5. People & Facility Preparedness
One of the most critical aspects of hurricane readiness is ensuring the safety of your employees. A clearly defined disaster response plan should outline exactly what every employee needs to do before, during and after a storm. This plan should include detailed evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place protocols and multiple communication channels to ensure messages are delivered even if one method fails. Be sure to keep employee contact information up-to-date and accessible for effective emergency coordination.
Equally important is preparing your facility to support several on-site staff members with emergency kits. Businesses should have at least 72 hours of supplies prepared, allowing employees to shelter if needed, until emergency relief arrives. These should include canned food, bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries and basic medical items. Predefined and clearly marked shelter-in-place areas within the facility, preferably interior rooms without windows, and make sure all staff are familiar with their location. When both people and facilities are prepared in advance, businesses are in a far better position to respond safely and recover quickly once the storm passes.
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Partnering with Protos During Natural Disasters
Hurricane season is already shaping up to be intense and businesses that invest in readiness now will be far better equipped to handle the storm and recover quickly. From technology audits and power backups to physical security and employee safety protocols, every step taken before the storm strengthens your ability to respond, protect and recover.
Partnering with experienced providers like Protos Security can make a critical difference. Whether you need emergency guard coverage, mobile patrols or disaster relief planning, Protos offers scalable solutions tailored to your facility’s unique needs before, during and after the storm. Don’t wait until the forecast becomes a crisis. Take proactive steps to keep your people, property and operations protected.
