Even though hurricane season lasts from summer through fall, there are tasks that can be done year-round to prepare your home or business.

The Atlantic hurricane season—the annual formation of tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere—typically runs from the beginning of June to late November. A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed, low-level circulation. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

• Tropical depression: tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
• Tropical storm: tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
• Hurricane: tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher (In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons, and similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones).
• Major hurricane: tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

If wind and water enter a home or building during a tropical cyclone extensive damage can be done. That’s why structures should be protected well in advance. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety shares hurricane preparation steps that can be taken now for both homes and businesses:

Home preparation:

• Install hardware needed to put up shutters or pre-cut plywood to protect windows and doors. This will allow for easier installation if your area is threatened by a storm.
• Cut weak branches and any branches that are positioned over structures that could cause property damage if they break in high winds.
• Check the caulk around windows and doors, ensuring that it is not cracked, broken or missing. Fill any holes or gaps around pipes or wires that enter the building.
• Inspect the roof and overhang to look for signs of wear or damage. Have the roof inspected to make sure the roof sheathing is well-connected.
• Inspect porches, carports, entryway canopies and storage sheds to ensure they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition.
• Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation. If the sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh or replaced.
• Prepare and test your generator well before a storm strikes.

Business preparation:

• Have your building inspected, and complete any maintenance needed to ensure the building can withstand severe weather.
• Designate an employee to monitor weather reports, and alert your team to potential severe weather.
• Review and update your business continuity plan along with employee contact information.
• Remind employees of key elements of the plan, including post-event communication procedures and work/payroll procedures. Review emergency shutdown and start up procedures, such as electrical systems, with appropriate personnel, including alternates.
• Test backup power options, such as a generator, and establish proper contracts with fuel suppliers for emergency fuel deliveries.
• Inspect and replenish emergency supplies.
• Test all life safety equipment.
• Conduct training exercises for both business continuity and emergency preparedness/response plans.