Risk Engineering Services

Windstorm
Preparation Guide
Windstorms, hurricanes and tropical cyclones create a significant threat to coastal areas
around the globe. Use this guide to ensure you are prepared to withstand a high wind event.
Plan components
A dedicated response team with assigned tasks and authority levels
Dedicated personnel to conduct pre-season preparation checks
A list of equipment to be stored on-site for recovery efforts
Local authority and utility contact information for reference when required
Relationships with vendors for back-up critical equipment, such as generatorsA post-event business continuity plan
A formal training procedure, including a section to record practice runs

Plan components
Roof inspection
Check for loose roof flashing and roof cover damage
Ensure all roof-mounted equipment is tightly secured
Add additional roof securement, particularly around the perimeter
Consult a roofing specialist to improve securement, particularly on the perimeter
Verify that roof drains, outside drains and catch basins are clear of debris
Walls, windows and openings
Inspect and repair exterior walls, glass, and doors
Inspect fasteners for securement/protection brackets and components
Check that windows and weather seals are in good condition
Verify that manual storm shutters/window coverings are available
and in good condition
Verify that all flood control materials are readily available and in good condition
Electrical and equipment
Verify inspection, testing and maintenance of all emergency generators
Exercise emergency generator transfer switches
Check that all diesel equipment tanks and centralised bulk tanks are full
Test fuel transfer pumps for emergency units
Re-check if any equipment requires unique shutdown/start procedures
Identify and label all electrical service equipment and switches
Inspect and test all dewatering pumps and sump pumps
Check that dewatering/sump pumps are connected to emergency power
and operate properly

Hurricanes, windstorms and cyclones
pose a significant threat to coastal areas
around the globe, causing billions ofdollars in property damage and businessinterruption each year. While escaping
without damage may not be possible,
being prepared for a storm and diligently
maintaining your facility year roundwill yield the best possible results forany storm.
Be prepared: Having a contract in place
for clean-up, repair and emergency
equipment will allow faster access tocritical services. This is particularly
important for widespread natural hazard
events, when contractor services will
be in high demand.

Supplies and clean-up
Review safety supplies (PPE, flashlights etc) and essentials (water, food etc)
Review inventory of recovery supplies (tarps etc). Order more if required
Ensure that all basic cleaning supplies are in stock and ready for use

In-season preparedness

Contact
Contact your local Swiss Re
Corporate Solutions representative
for more information about RES
services available in your location:
RES_Enquiry@swissre.com

Be aware of hurricane and/or windstorm activity
Continue periodic checks on consumables as they continue to be used in thenormal course of maintenance. Consumables include fuel, oils, water supplies, etc.
Limit the amount of inventory stored or work in progress at the floor level

If storm watch or warning is issued
Test/start the emergency generator and transfer switch to ensure power is ready
Verify dewatering/sump pumps are in service and working
Remove debris around the facility
Secure loose outdoor fixtures or equipment. This includes items on the roof
Back-up computer and server data. Take all back-ups off site to a secure area
Reduce stock where possible. Place all remaining stock on pallets or higher
Secure or brace areas under construction. Remove unsecured items
If possible. relocate and/or protect below grade, high value equipment

After the storm
Initial assessment and planning
Expect the site to be difficult to reach or have access limited by officials
Do not visit the site alone – the area may be hazardous
Bring identification, cameras, flashlights and PPE
Perform an exterior assessment before entering the building
to ensure structural safety
Stay aware of potential site hazards incl. live electrical wires, broken glassand sharp metals, leaking gases or flammable liquids or contents that could
shift or collapse
Post security personnel in areas where access is not suitably controlled
Ensure that a smoking ban is in place throughout the facility
Survey and document findings/damage. Take plenty of photos
Implement pre-established service restoration, repair and cleaning contracts
If aware of any damage, contact your company’s risk manager or insurance broker
Clean-up and repairs
Initiate clean-up activities immediately, if safe to do so
Begin salvage activities as soon as possible to prevent further damage
Separate damaged goods from salvageable goods
Establish repair priorities. Focus on the building envelope and fire protection
Have qualified personnel thoroughly check all utility systems, special
equipment and hazardous processes before returning them to service
Check fire water supplies, fire pumps, automatic sprinklers, fire alarms andsecurity systems. Contact a fire contractor if required
Use the Swiss Re Fire Protection Impairment procedure if required. Follow all
guidance, including implementing a designated fire watch in all impaired areas
Where repairs require welding, cutting or grinding, ensure that the Swiss Re
hot work permit is used, including all safety guidance and a fire watch
Avoid accumulations of combustible materials and debris inside the building
Clear roof drains, balcony drains and ground-level catch basins and drains
in preparation for future rain events

Inadequately secured roofing panels
can be stripped by high winds, opening
the building envelope, allowing rain anddebris to cause further damage.

Resources
EuropaWorld Meteorological Organisationwww.wmo.int
Global Disaster Alert &Coordination System
www.gdacs.org
North America
National Hurricane Centre
www.nhc.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency ManagementAgency
www.FEMA.gov
www.Ready.gov
Australasia
Bureau of Meteorology
www.bom.gov.au/global
www.bom.gov.au/cyclone
Hong Kong Observatory
www.hko.gov.hk

Post-storm site conditions can be
hazardous. Do not access the site alone
or at all if the building’s structure iscompromised.

The guidance contained in this document, in the opinion of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, is sound, reasonable and may help to reduce the risk of property loss and businessinterruption. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions does not warrant that all losses will be avoided or that all reasonable preventive measures have been taken if advice in thisdocument is followed. By sharing its opinion as to certain sound and reasonable practices, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions does not relieve the insured of its own duties andobligations with respect to assessing and implementing loss prevention measures and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions disclaims any liability as respects loss prevention.
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