During typhoon season, individuals and businesses alike must prepare for the potential onslaught of these powerful storms. With rising ocean temperatures exacerbating the severity and frequency of typhoons, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate property risks and ensure swift recovery in the aftermath.
Preparation is key
- Assess risk and obtain insurance coverage: Before typhoon season arrives, assess the risk to your property or business. Understand the likelihood of typhoon-related damages in your area and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. Consult with insurance experts to review your policy and ensure it provides comprehensive coverage for typhoon-related damages.
- Implement mitigation measures: Take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of property damage. This may include reinforcing structures, securing loose objects and trimming trees to prevent them from becoming hazards during strong winds. Additionally, consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing windows and doors to protect against flying debris.
- Develop a disaster preparedness plan: Create a detailed plan outlining steps to be taken before, during and after a typhoon. Assign responsibilities to individuals within your household or organisation and ensure everyone is familiar with evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
Responding to a typhoon
- Safety first: In the event of a typhoon, prioritise personal safety above all else. Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities and seek shelter in a sturdy building or designated evacuation centre. Avoid areas prone to flooding or landslides and stay indoors until the storm has passed.
- Document damages: Once it is safe to do so, assess the extent of damages to your property and belongings. Take photographs or videos of any damage for insurance purposes and make a detailed inventory of losses. This information will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance provider: Promptly notify your insurance provider of any damages incurred during the typhoon. Provide them with documentation and cooperate fully throughout the claims process. At Sedgwick, our team of experts is ready to assist you every step of the way, providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth claims experience.
Moving forward and safeguarding for the future
- Begin the recovery process: Work with contractors and restoration professionals to repair damages to your property. Prioritise essential repairs to ensure the safety and habitability of your home or business. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the recovery effort, as these may be reimbursable through your insurance policy.
- Implement preventative measures: Learn from the experience of the typhoon and take steps to better safeguard your property against future disasters. Consider investing in resilient building materials, strengthening infrastructure, and implementing additional mitigation measures to reduce the risk of damage during future storms.
- Stay informed and prepared: Remain vigilant and stay informed about weather forecasts and potential threats in your area. Stay up to date on advancements in weather monitoring technology and heed warnings issued by meteorological agencies. By staying prepared and proactive, you can minimise the impact of future typhoons on your property and livelihood.
Rising ocean temperatures and global warming
It’s important to recognise the role of global warming in exacerbating the severity and frequency of typhoons. Rising ocean temperatures fuel the intensity of these storms, making them more destructive and unpredictable. As a result, communities must adapt to the changing climate and take proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.
At Sedgwick, we understand the importance of preparedness and stand ready to assist communities in navigating through these challenging times. Our team of experts closely monitors weather patterns and is prepared to mobilise on the ground once disaster strikes. We are committed to providing timely support and guidance to ensure swift recovery and safeguarding of properties in the face of typhoon events.
In summary, preparation, mitigation and swift action are essential for individuals and businesses to safeguard against the impacts of typhoon season. By assessing risks, obtaining adequate insurance coverage and implementing proactive measures, communities can minimise damages and ensure a faster recovery process. At Sedgwick, we stand ready to support communities in navigating these challenging times and building resilience against future disasters.
Tags: Carrier, Claims, Major + complex loss, major and complex loss, MCL, Property, Property damage, Property loss, property owner, Restoring property, typhoon, Weather, Weathering disasters