With the New Year, many are reflecting on 2018. Unfortunately, 2018 saw many natural disasters in the United States. From hurricanes to wild fires, many homeowners and business owners were required to clean up and rebuild.

As 2019 begins, it can be beneficial to reflect and reevaluate the measures your Lodge has in place, should something similar occur where you reside. Take the time to evaluate your Lodge’s natural disaster preparation plan because a few simple steps can help you make the best of a terrible situation:

How to Prepare your Lodge

Your buildings are likely your Lodge’s biggest assets, and can also be the most costly to repair. With these tips, your Lodge will be better prepared and protected.

  • Risk Assessment – Start by evaluating the natural disasters that your Lodge is vulnerable to and protect against them. For example, if your Lodge is in Florida, you may be exposed to wind loss and should invest in storm shutters for the Lodge, depending on your location.
  • Invest in Appropriate Insurance – After assessing the risks your Lodge faces, get the appropriate coverage in place. Also consider Business Interruption Insurance, which covers the loss of income should your Lodge ever experience a disaster.
  • Develop a Disaster Plan – Natural disasters are unexpected, but there are many ways you can prepare in advance.
    • Set up an emergency response plan and share it with members. Document the plan and practice it regularly.
    • Will you need a back-up source of power, water or food? Consider the supplies you may need in the event of a disaster and stock up on them.
    • Keep duplicate records, or invest in software that will back up all essential Lodge documents.
    • If there is time before the disaster strikes, prepare your Lodge. Forward calls from your desk phone to a mobile phone, move equipment to a secure location, make sure electronics are unplugged, put sandbags around your building, etc.
    • Decide how members will be notified of any potential delays, and who will be the point of contact for member communications.
  • Stay up-to-date – Your Lodge risks will change over time. Review your Lodge’s needs and insurance policies yearly to ensure you have the right coverage.

If you have questions about the risks your Lodge faces contact us at 866-836-3373 or [email protected].

 

The Moose Insurance Program is administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affinity Insurance Brokers, LLC in California #0795478. Coverage may not be available in all states and is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Coverage may be provided by an excess/surplus lines insurer which is not licensed by or subject to the supervision of the insurance department of your state of residence. Policy coverage forms and rates may not be subject to regulation by the insurance department of your state of residence. Excess/surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and therefore insureds are not protected by such funds in the event of the insurer’s insolvency.