Before the Storm: Preparing Your Adventure Sports Business for Severe Weather

Spring weather is unpredictable. In a matter of hours, a sunny morning can give way to a stormy afternoon. For adventure sports business owners, severe weather poses serious risks, threatening employee wellbeing, guest safety, and your bottom line.

Ensure you’re protected from unexpected storms – put a severe weather action plan in place before disaster strikes.

Spring Weather Threats

Severe weather increases the risk of property damage, injury, and even fatalities. Here are some common types of spring weather events that can wreak havoc for outfitters and guides:

• Tornadoes: Winds from tornadoes can exceed 200 miles per hour, sending debris flying.
• Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds, large hail, and lightning. If lightning strikes in a dry area, fires can occur.
• Flooding: Snowmelt, ice jams, and heavy rain can produce large amounts of water runoff in a short period of time, resulting in floods.
• Blizzards: Spring snowstorms may cause power outages or property damage, forcing the closure of adventure sports businesses.
• Excessive heat: Higher temperatures heighten the risk of heat-related disorders or illnesses for employees working outdoors.

How Outfitters and Guides Can Mitigate Weather Risks

There are several strategies outfitters, guides, and other adventure sports business owners can implement to help protect their employees, guests, and operations when severe weather strikes. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Monitor the forecast: Knowing what weather is on the way can help you get prepared and make informed decisions regarding early closures to keep employees and guests safe.
• Develop an action plan: Outline what employees should do in the event of severe weather and establish a communication protocol to keep all affected parties informed.
• Protect your property: Complete preventive maintenance, secure windows, bring outdoor furniture inside, and clear out storm drains to mitigate damage from airborne hazards.
• Back up critical data: Severe weather can cause power outages and may physically damage equipment. Back up critical data often to help smoothly rebuild systems.
• Establish an emergency kit: Ensure employees and guests have access to flashlights, water, a first-aid kit, blankets, extra batteries, tools, two-way radios, and current contact information for state and local entities.
• Evaluate & improve operations: Review how operations were impacted by previous storms to help identify risk areas and strengthen protections and protocols moving forward.

Preparing Employees for Severe Weather

Keeping employees informed of severe weather protocols is essential to maintaining the safety of all parties involved in your adventure sports business. Clearly communicate company policies and expectations regarding safety measures, attendance, and pay amid inclement weather. In the event of inclement weather, promptly inform employees of business closures and delays, and ensure on-site employees have access to and understand your action plan.

Protect Your Business. Preserve Your Peace of Mind

While it’s impossible for outfitters and guides to completely eliminate weather-related risks, taking action today can help protect your property, people, and income when storms strike.

CBIZ Adventure Sports Insurance provides tailored protection plans for outfitters and guides. From whitewater rafting to hunting, hiking, fishing, and every action-packed sport in between, we help business owners adventure more and worry less.

Explore insurance solutions designed for action and exploration. Request a quote today.