For businesses operating in areas prone to tropical storms, understanding weather advisories is critical. Severe weather can disrupt operations, damage property, and jeopardize the safety of employees and customers. Two key notifications from weather authorities are the Tropical Storm Watch and Tropical Storm Warning. While they may seem similar, they signal different levels of urgency and require different responses. Knowing the distinction can help you protect your business, minimize downtime, and ensure a swift recovery after the storm. In this blog we aim to help you be prepared for whatever comes your way!

What Does a Tropical Storm Watch Mean for Your Business?

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when conditions indicate that a tropical storm may affect a specific area within 48 hours. It’s an early alert designed to give businesses time to evaluate risks and start implementing precautionary measures. With winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph, tropical storms can cause significant structural damage, especially to vulnerable buildings and exposed assets.

For businesses, a Tropical Storm Watch should prompt proactive planning, including:

• Reviewing emergency plans: Ensure your storm preparation protocol is up to date. Assign roles to key staff members and make sure everyone knows what to do if the storm intensifies.

• Communicating with employees and customers: Send out notifications to employees about potential changes in business operations and ensure they know how to stay safe. For customer-facing businesses, communicate any potential disruptions or closures through social media, emails, or text alerts.

• Protecting critical data: Back up essential business data and ensure cloud-based systems are accessible remotely in case the office needs to close. Double-check that servers and IT equipment are secured against potential water damage or power surges.

• Securing physical assets: Move outdoor equipment, signage, or inventory inside, and make sure windows and doors are secure. For businesses with vehicles, relocate them to safer areas if flooding is a concern.

A Tropical Storm Watch offers the luxury of time to start these preparations. Don’t wait until the situation escalates to make important decisions. The NDS PRIME™ Program is your key to successful recovery, enabling you to proactively plan and reduce the impact of unexpected events on your business.

What to Do When a Tropical Storm Warning is Issued

A Tropical Storm Warning means that a tropical storm is imminent or will impact your area within 36 hours. At this point, severe weather is a near certainty, and the priority shifts from preparation to action.

When a warning is issued, businesses need to immediately:

• Suspend or modify operations: Depending on the storm’s severity, it may be necessary to close your business temporarily. Ensure that employees have clear instructions regarding remote work or emergency leave policies.

• Finalize building preparations: If your business hasn’t already done so, secure windows, doors, and any other entry points you feel may need reinforcement. Sandbags may be needed to protect against flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

• Protect inventory and equipment: Move essential equipment or inventory to higher ground or waterproof storage. Power down non-essential electrical equipment to prevent damage from surges or outages.

• Keep communication lines open: Continue to update employees and customers about the status of operations. Make sure all staff have access to emergency contact information and know what to do in case of an evacuation.

• Monitor real-time weather updates: Stay informed through local news, weather services, and official warnings to make any necessary last-minute decisions about safety and operations.

A Tropical Storm Warning demands swift action. Delaying could put your employees, assets, and the future of your business at risk.

The Business Impact of Failing to Act

Ignoring or downplaying the significance of a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning can lead to devastating consequences for your business. Wind damage, flooding, and power outages can all disrupt normal operations, leading to costly repairs, lost productivity, and unhappy customers. In extreme cases, prolonged downtime could damage your brand reputation or even result in permanent closure.

Companies that take storm preparedness seriously are often able to bounce back faster than those that don’t. By responding appropriately to a Tropical Storm Watch, businesses can avoid last-minute scrambling. Once a warning is in effect, they can focus on securing the business and protecting their team.

Business Continuity: Being Ready Beyond the Storm

While a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning is a short-term event, the impact of severe weather can last much longer. A strong business continuity plan includes not only preparation for the storm but also a plan for recovery after it passes.

Post-storm recovery steps should include:

• Damage assessment: Once it’s safe to do so, inspect your business premises for any structural damage or potential hazards before reopening.

• Insurance documentation: Keep a detailed record of any damages to submit to your insurance provider. Take photos and make notes about affected areas or lost inventory.

• Employee and customer communications: Let employees know when they can safely return to work and communicate updates to customers about when normal business operations will resume.

• Leveraging assistance: Take advantage of any local, state, or federal disaster recovery programs available to businesses. These programs can provide financial assistance, low-interest loans, or grants to help you recover.

Stay Prepared and Stay Informed

For businesses in tropical storm-prone areas, understanding the difference between a Tropical Storm Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning is essential for minimizing risk. A Watch gives you time to plan and prepare, while a Warning signals that immediate action is needed to protect your assets and people. By staying informed and having a solid emergency plan in place, your business can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

When tropical storm damage strikes, NDS is available 24/7 to kickstart your restoration journey. Our rapid response team is ready to provide quick and efficient assistance, ensuring you never face challenges alone as we help you navigate through unexpected events with swift and reliable support. Contact us for immediate assistance.