When a natural disaster hits, it doesn’t just damage buildings—it can disrupt lives, derail operations and place your livelihood at risk. For business owners, the stakes are high. From heavy storms to snow emergencies, even a brief interruption can lead to lost income, delayed services and costly recovery efforts.
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to limit its impact. Preparedness isn’t just a best practice—it’s a business essential. Having a plan in place helps protect your people, your property and your bottom line.
At Erie Insurance, we know that preparation goes beyond a checklist. It’s about having the right protection, the right resources and the right partner in your corner. Your local ERIE agent is here to help you take proactive steps now—so you can stay resilient when the unexpected happens.
Know Your Risks
Storms come in many forms—thunderstorms, hurricanes, snow squalls, wildfires and more. While the hazards vary, the risks to your business often share one common theme: disruption.
A strong storm can cause:
- Power outages that halt production, spoil inventory or disable point-of-sale systems
- Water damage to office spaces, warehouses, equipment or customer areas
- Snow and ice buildup that blocks entryways, damages roofs or creates slip hazards for employees and visitors
- Fallen trees or debris that can damage vehicles, signage or exterior structures
- Communication blackouts that leave staff and customers in the dark, delaying operations or responses
- Supply chain delays that disrupt inventory levels or scheduled deliveries
- Structural damage from wind, hail or lightning, forcing temporary closure or expensive repairs
Even if your building stands firm, the impact of a storm can be widespread. Customers may stay home, employees may be unable to work and revenue can stall—sometimes for days or weeks. Understanding these risks helps you plan ahead so you're not caught off guard when the weather takes a turn.
Create an Emergency Response Plan
A solid plan helps protect your team and keeps things running as smoothly as possible during disruption. Think of it as your business’s safety blueprint.
At a minimum, your emergency plan should include:
- Evacuation procedures, emergency contact lists and assigned safety roles
- A communication plan to update employees, customers and suppliers
- A checklist for securing inventory, equipment and digital data
Review and rehearse your plan regularly to ensure everyone’s on the same page when it counts.
Safeguard Your Physical and Digital Assets
When a storm hits, your assets can be at risk—from your building to your business data. Taking proactive steps now can prevent bigger headaches later.
Focus on these areas:
- Install surge protection and secure outdoor signage, inventory and equipment
- Use cloud-based data storage and backup your files frequently
- Maintain photo or video inventory records to streamline claims
Protecting both physical and virtual property ensures you’re covered from every angle.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is more than a requirement—it’s a recovery tool. But not all policies offer the same protection, especially during a storm.
Consider the value of:
- Business interruption coverage to help with lost income or operating costs during downtime
- Sewer and drain backup endorsements, which are not always included in standard business policies
- Coverage limits that reflect the full replacement cost of your property and equipment
Unsure what’s included in your current coverage? That’s where a local ERIE agent can help.
Keep Your People Safe and Informed
Your employees are your most valuable asset. During a storm, their safety and clarity on next steps matter just as much as physical protection. A well-prepared business is one where every team member knows what to do—and feels supported through it.
Ways to keep your team safe and connected:
- Build an internal communication plan using phone trees, email alerts or group messaging apps to share updates and instructions
- Designate emergency roles of who can help guide evacuations or check in with remote workers
- Post safety signage and emergency procedures in common areas so everyone knows how to respond, even under stress
When employees feel informed and protected, they’re more likely to respond calmly and return to work confidently after a disruption. It’s a key part of building business resilience—and it starts with preparation.
Use ERIE’s Risk Control Services
Preparation isn’t just about having insurance—it’s also about reducing the chance you’ll need to use it. That’s where ERIE’s Risk Control team comes in. Our professionals work with businesses of all sizes and types to identify hazards and recommend practical, achievable steps to lower risk.
Here’s how ERIE Risk Control can help:
- Consultations to identify vulnerabilities specific to your location and operations
- Custom safety guidance on topics like fire prevention, weatherproofing, emergency exits and business continuity
- Access to resources like preparedness checklists, safety signage templates and staff training materials
Whether you operate a small shop or manage multiple locations, ERIE’s Risk Control team can help you consider ways to strengthen your disaster readiness from the ground up—at no additional cost to you.
Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow
Your business is more than a building—it's your livelihood. Let ERIE help you protect what you've built. Connect with a local ERIE agent to review your coverage and learn how we can help you protect your business before, during and after a storm.
