Hurricane Preparedness
Tokio Marine America's (TMA) mission as a Good Company is to provide Anshin (safety, security and peace of mind) to our clients and the public during these challenging times.
While hurricanes are known as a concern for the southeast region of the country, 40 of the 50 U.S. states have experienced hurricanes or tropical storms since 1866, according to FEMA.
2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Weather experts are warning that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be another active year. AccuWeather is predicting 13-18 named storms and is warning of hurricanes that can rapidly develop, leading to landfall with little or no time to prepare.
During the 2024 season, 326 lives were lost and a total of $130.2 billion in property damage resulted from 11 named hurricanes. Five of those hurricanes were Category 3 and stronger. Hurricane Beryl was the earliest to develop into a Category 5 storm in recorded history. Hurricane Helene brought record-breaking rainfall and flooding to the Southeast, and Milton brought deadly flooding and tornado outbreaks across Florida.
AccuWeather reports that the largest factor for tropical storm development in 2025 is the warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf, and Caribbean, which are already above average and will continue to warm as we move into the summer season. This will likely fuel rapid development and intensity of storms.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Now is the best time to start planning for the possibility of a windstorm event. TMA recommends the following tips:
- Review your emergency response plan. Elements should include options for evacuation, operating offsite, and sheltering in place.
- Establish a plan for communicating with your employees, clients, and other key stakeholders - both from your existing location and from potential offsite locations.
- Prior to any storm, inspect the roof, flashing, windows, exterior walls, and doors. Ensure rooftop equipment is secured properly. Hire a qualified contractor to make needed repairs now to prevent the potential of a large loss during or after a storm.
- Ensure your rooftop drains are clear of debris and the ground outlets are free of obstructions to allow proper flow of storm water off the roof.
- Test emergency generators to assure proper operation during a power outage. If your building is not equipped with an emergency generator, secure one from a third-party supplier well ahead of a storm for essential systems, if possible.
- Practice emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place drills.
- Continue to manage your inspection and maintenance procedures for any vacant or unoccupied buildings. Tokio Marine America has developed guidelines to identify action items for these buildings: Precautions During Vacated or Idle Production Periods
Pre-storm Actions
Taking action before, during, and after a severe rainstorm, windstorm, tornado, or hurricane may help mitigate the severity of the loss and enhance the facility's overall safety.
Our windstorm guidelines adhere to nationally recognized standards followed by the insurance industry for new construction and re-roofing. Pre-storm actions should include developing an effective hurricane preparedness plan that incorporates advanced planning to ensure your buildings' roof covers and rooftop equipment are designed to meet the anticipated wind loads.
Tokio Marine America Loss Control has developed several resources to help you and your organization prepare for windstorms such as hurricanes and tropical storms.
You may consult with your local TMA Loss Control representative for assistance with implementing this advice at your facility.
If you have fire protection equipment that is out of service, report the situation and expected duration to Impairment Notification Online: www.TMAmerica.com/impairments
As part of Tokio Marine America's commitment to providing high quality loss control services to our policyholders, we offer web-based resources that can assist you in hurricane preparedness safety training. Visit www.TMAmerica.com/SafetySkills for more information.
Helpful Resources
Below are links to websites that have useful information to help employers prepare for hurricane season.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - The information and suggestions presented by Tokio Marine Management, Inc. is for your consideration in your loss prevention efforts. They are not intended to be complete or definitive in identifying all hazards associated with your business, preventing workplace accidents, or complying with any safety related, or other, laws or regulations. You are encouraged to alter them to fit the specific hazards of your business and to have your legal counsel review all of your plans and company policies.