Preparing Your Business for the 2025 Hurricane Season

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season unfolds, businesses across the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S. face elevated risks. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this season is expected to bring 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 developing into hurricanes and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher).

The NOAA forecast is influenced by several contributing factors, including:

• Warm Sea Surface Temperatures: The Gulf of Mexico's waters are nearly 2°F above historical averages, providing ample energy for storm intensification.

• ENSO-Neutral Conditions: The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to remain neutral, eliminating a potential suppressor of hurricane activity.

• Enhanced West African Monsoon: An active monsoon season can lead to more tropical waves, which often serve as precursors to Atlantic hurricanes.

In light of these projections, businesses should take a proactive approach to prepare for potential hurricane impacts, as detailed below.

Develop a Comprehensive Business Continuity Plan

• Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities in your operations, supply chains, and infrastructure.

• Emergency Contacts: Maintain an updated list of essential contacts, including employees, suppliers, and emergency services.

• Communication Strategy: Establish clear protocols for disseminating information before, during, and after a storm.

• Data Backup: Ensure critical data is backed up and accessible remotely.

Secure Physical Assets

• Facility Inspection: Regularly inspect and reinforce structures, such as roofs, windows, and doors.

• Protect Equipment: Elevate essential equipment to prevent flood damage and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles.

• Backup Power: Invest in generators to maintain operations during power outages.

Safeguard Employee Well-being

• Evacuation Plans: Develop and communicate clear evacuation routes and procedures.

• Emergency Supplies: Stock emergency kits with essentials like food, water, first-aid supplies, and flashlights.

• Training: Conduct regular drills to ensure employees are prepared for emergency situations.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage

• Policy Assessment: Evaluate existing insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages.

• Flood Insurance: Consider obtaining separate flood insurance, as standard policies often do not cover flood damage.

• Documentation: Keep detailed records of assets and property to facilitate claims processing.

Engage with Local and Federal Resources

• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from NOAA and local emergency management agencies.

• Utilize Toolkits: Leverage resources like FEMA’s Business Toolkit for guidance on preparedness steps.

• Community Collaboration: Participate in local preparedness initiatives to strengthen community resilience.

The devastating potential of major storms is evident in recent history—over $75 billion in damages and 251 fatalities were caused by Hurricane Helene in the 2024 season. Taking a proactive approach allows communities and businesses to mitigate risks, safeguard lives, and ensure a more resilient response to whatever challenges the season may present.

Click here for a detailed hurricane preparedness checklist from Stephens Insurance.