Protect Your Business From Costly Hail Damage

Did you know the region from Texas to Wyoming, known as “Hail Alley,” receives more hailstorms than any other part of the country? Texas has consistently ranked at the top of the list of major hail events each year with 872 in 2019 and 601 in 2020.

The damaging hail season begins mid-April, running through the summer and into September. Hailstorms are known for causing significant damage, wreaking financial havoc on individuals and business owners.

While you can’t predict the unpredictable, you can better prepare yourself and your business, with preventive measures against these damaging storms. Society Insurance has compiled a list of best practices for bars, restaurants, and other food-and-beverage-service establishments to help ensure their business is protected from hail storms and other natural disasters.

Inspect Your Roof to Prevent Indoor Storm Damage

Not only does a regular roof inspection extend the life of your roof, saving you money long-term, it also allows you to remedy any issues before they can cause damage to your property. It’s much easier to fix a small problem such as missing shingles, rusty metal or sagging than a collapsed roof or burgeoning leak that can cause interior damage.

Address Drainage Problems Prior to Storm Season

With the Texas rainy season comes flash flooding. Stay ahead of the storm season by checking your gutters and drainage seasonally. Neglected drainage systems can collect debris and standing water which can easily cause overflows into your foundation or potentially flood your establishment.

Secure Outdoor Items to Prevent Wind Damage

Grills, picnic tables and lawn furniture are at risk of becoming projectiles in high wind scenarios. “Batten down the hatches,” as they say – you don’t want your patio umbrella to go barreling through your windows or spiraling towards a car or customer in the midst of a summer storm. For items that are too bulky to stow away, consider securing them with steel security cables.

Trim Your Trees to Prevent Storm Damage

While dead trees are always a liability, dead branches are more likely to fall during gusting storm winds. This can be hazardous to you, your employees, patrons and the building. From tree limbs falling on the roof to branches getting tangled in power lines, having a well- maintained property will help you avoid costly storm damage insurance claims.

Research Insurance Coverage

With the chance of storms and hail still ahead of us, there’s never been a better time for businesses in “Hail Alley” to prepare for possible damage. Business owners can mitigate damage to their building, payroll and bottom line by investing a bit of time into preventive measures.