As several states are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, property owners are reminded of the unpredictable and destructive nature of hurricanes and urged to consider proactive measures to safeguard their businesses and communities. For commercial property owners, this time of year prompts a critical reassessment of their buildings’ readiness to withstand the unpredictable forces of nature. In the aftermath of such storms, the importance of resilience becomes strikingly clear. Investing in resilience measures isn’t simply about weathering the next storm—it’s about safeguarding against financial losses, ensuring business continuity and contributing to community vitality.

Why Invest in Resilience?

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, pose significant financial risks to businesses, including property damage, lost inventory and prolonged closures that can threaten their survival. Studies have found that a quarter of small businesses do not recover after closing due to these events, highlighting the crucial importance of preparedness.

The FORTIFIED Multifamily and FORTIFIED Commercial programs are designed to help address and mitigate the challenges posed by destructive forces of severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), these programs set rigorous building standards designed to enhance the resilience of both new and existing commercial properties.  A compliance process conducted by an IBHS certified third party evaluator ensures the installation follows and meets design criteria to enhance resilience against storm damage.

These programs offer a tiered approach to strengthening commercial buildings against severe weather. Each level builds on the previous one, providing incremental improvements in resilience. FORTIFIED Roof™ strengthens roofs and roof-mounted equipment to withstand high winds and debris. FORTIFIED Silver™ adds structural enhancements to windows, doors and other vulnerable areas. FORTIFIED Gold™, the highest designation level, includes thorough structural protection through a continuous load path from roof to foundation.

The effectiveness and financial benefits of FORTIFIED are backed by solid research. According to a recent study by the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research, investments in FORTIFIED Multifamily standards yield returns as high as 72%, with a rapid breakeven period, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of implementing these resilience measures. Simply put, implementing these measures not only reduces potential losses from storm-related damage but also enhances the overall durability and longevity of commercial properties, making them more attractive investments in storm-prone regions.

Beyond individual benefits, resilient infrastructure is advantageous to entire communities by ensuring the swift recovery of essential services such as schools, utilities and roads after disasters. Programs like FORTIFIED safeguard properties and bolster the resilience of neighborhoods, enabling communities to recover more quickly and effectively.

Essential Resilience Measures

For commercial properties located in hurricane-prone areas, implementing preventative actions can significantly mitigate potential damage and ensure business continuity.

First, business continuity planning is essential. Developing and testing comprehensive plans can keep your business running during and after storms. IBHS offers a free business continuity toolkit (OFB-EZ) that can be invaluable in this process.

Roof protection is the first line of defense against severe weather. Make sure the perimeter roof flashing, where the roof meets the wall, is well secured. Regularly check the roof for any tears, especially around areas like curbs and parapet walls. Clear any loose debris and equipment, including satellite dishes, that could blow around and cause damage. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and draining properly. Installing impact-resistant systems can protect windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas from wind and debris. If that’s not possible, move vital equipment away from the windows to keep it safe. windows to keep it safe.

(Caption: According to the FORTIFIED Commercial and Multifamily standards, Rooftop equipment must be adequately mechanically fastened, as seen here at Bottle Art Lofts in Lafayette, LA.)

Strengthening your building’s structure is also important. Reinforce personnel doors, large commercial doors, garage openings and exterior fixtures to withstand high winds and flooding. Don’t forget to stock up on emergency supplies; IBHS provides a free emergency preparedness & response toolkit (EZ-Prep) with valuable resources.

Proper landscape management is another key factor. Trim trees and secure outdoor equipment to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles during storms. Lastly, make sure you have backup power systems and flood protection in place. Elevating critical equipment can further protect against flood damage.

Following the challenges posed by hurricanes, real-life examples have proven the value of proactive resilience measures. Case studies from communities hardened under the FORTIFIED program provide compelling examples. During Hurricane Sally, for instance, buildings designated under these stringent standards displayed remarkable resilience. With 99% of these properties reporting minimal damage, these structures not only preserved property values but also ensured minimal disruption to businesses and expedited community recovery efforts. These outcomes underscore the tangible benefits of investing in robust resilience strategies before disaster strikes.

Looking Ahead: Innovations in Resilient Building

Advancements in building materials and technologies continue to shape resilience standards, offering new opportunities to enhance protection against natural disasters. IBHS continues to research innovative methods to strengthen structures, promising even greater resilience and sustainability for properties and communities.

As Hurricane Beryl fades from immediate memory, the imperative for commercial property owners to prioritize resilience measures remains clear. By embracing the FORTIFIED Commercial and Multifamily Program and adopting comprehensive resilience strategies, businesses not only protect themselves from monetary loss but also bolster the resilience of their communities. In the face of future storms, initiative-taking preparation today ensures a secure and sustainable tomorrow—for businesses, communities, and the individuals who rely on them.

This commitment to resilience not only safeguards investments but also strengthens community cohesion, ensuring that businesses can thrive even in the face of nature’s most formidable challenges. As hurricane season marches on, the choice to invest in resilience is not just about weathering the storm—it’s about building a foundation for long-term success and resilience in an uncertain world.

IBHS’s Hurricane Ready Guides provide more information and additional resources to help strengthen your building’s defenses and protect your commercial property against severe weather.

Chuck Miccolis is the managing director of commercial lines at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). He is the lead engineer for IBHS’s FORTIFIED Commercial standards, voluntary commercial construction criteria that focus on building resiliency and mitigating losses from natural and man-made hazards.