Authored by Sara Weathers

Hurricane season is here, and preparation is critical for law firms located along the Gulf Coast, Atlantic coast, and other high-risk regions. While hurricanes pose tangible and physical threats to safety, they can also cause major operational disruptions and financial losses if your firm isn’t ready.

Here are key tips to ensure your law firm weathers the storm:

1. Review Your Property Insurance Coverage

Before storms arrive:

• Check your commercial property insurance limits to ensure they reflect current rebuilding costs for your office.
• Confirm whether wind and flood damage are covered. Many standard property policies exclude flood damage, requiring separate flood insurance.
• Understand your business interruption coverage to know what income losses and operating expenses are covered if your office becomes unusable.

2. Back Up Data Securely

Ensure that all critical files, case documents, and client records are backed up:

• Use cloud-based systems with off-site storage to prevent loss if your physical servers are damaged.
• Test backups regularly to confirm they’re working and accessible.

3. Create a Continuity Plan

Develop a clear disaster recovery and business continuity plan that includes:

• Communication procedures for staff, clients, and courts
• Remote work arrangements if the office is inaccessible
• Delegation of responsibilities for quick decision-making during an emergency

4. Protect Your Office Premises

If a storm is approaching:

• Move electronics, files, and equipment off the ground to avoid flood damage.
• Secure windows, doors, and any outdoor items
• Unplug equipment and shut down servers properly to prevent electrical damage

5. Keep Emergency Supplies and Contacts Handy

Maintain stocked emergency kits, updated staff contact lists, and information on local emergency services. This readiness ensures you can respond quickly during and after the storm.

Having property insurance coverage is essential, but insurance alone is not enough. Preparing your firm with proactive measures protects your people, clients, and practice, ensuring you remain resilient no matter what this hurricane season brings.

Have questions about your firm’s property insurance? Our team at AdvoCap Insurance is here to help.