TOKIO MARINE AMERICA LOSS CONTROL

Hurricane Preparedness

Tokio Marine America's (TMA) mission as a Good Company is to provide Anshin (safety, security and peace of mind) to our clients and the public during challenging times.

While hurricanes are known as a concern for the southeast region of the country, 40 of the 50 U.S. states have experienced hurricanes or tropical storms since 1866, according to FEMA.

Review of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season saw 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Three storms reached Category 5, making it one of the most intense seasons on record despite an average storm count.

While no hurricanes made landfall in the United States, property damage was estimated at $500 million. There were about 126 direct fatalities, mostly in the Caribbean, with Hurricane Melissa responsible for many of the deaths.

The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

The United States is expected to see a near-average to slightly below-average hurricane season in 2026, with forecasts projecting 11–16 named storms, 4–7 hurricanes, and 2–4 major hurricanes. Despite this, there is still a notable risk of U.S. landfalls.

El Niño is expected to increase wind shear and limit storm formation, particularly later in the season, though above-average ocean temperatures may lead to storms that intensify rapidly with little warning or notice. Projections indicate 3–5 storms could directly impact the U.S., especially in the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Carolinas. Even quieter seasons can bring high-impact events, so preparedness remains essential.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1^st through November 30^th.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

Now is the best time to start planning for the possibility of a windstorm event. TMA recommends the following tips:

1. Review your emergency response plan. Elements should include options for evacuation, operating offsite, and sheltering in place.
2. Establish a plan for communicating with your employees, clients, and other key stakeholders - both from your existing location and from potential offsite locations.
3. Prior to any storm, inspect the roof, flashing, windows, exterior walls, and doors. Ensure rooftop equipment is properly secured.
4. Hire a qualified contractor to make needed repairs now to prevent the potential of a large loss during or after a storm.
5. Ensure your rooftop drains are clear of debris, and the ground outlets are free of obstructions to allow proper flow of storm water off the roof.
6. Test emergency generators to ensure proper operation during a power outage. If your building is not equipped with an emergency generator, secure one from a third-party supplier well ahead of a storm for essential systems, if possible.
7. Practice emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place drills.
8. Continue to manage your inspection and maintenance procedures for any vacant or unoccupied buildings. Tokio Marine America has developed guidelines to identify action items for these buildings: Precautions During Vacated or Idle Production Periods

Pre-storm Actions

Taking action before, during, and after a severe rainstorm, windstorm, tornado, or hurricane may help mitigate the severity of the loss and enhance the facility's overall safety.

Our windstorm guidelines adhere to nationally recognized standards followed by the insurance industry for new construction and re-roofing. Pre-storm actions should include developing an effective hurricane preparedness plan that incorporates advanced planning to ensure your buildings' roof covers and rooftop equipment are designed to meet the anticipated wind loads.

Tokio Marine America Loss Control has developed several resources to help you and your organization prepare for windstorms such as hurricanes and tropical storms.

• Hurricane Preparedness
• Roof Design and Protection
• Rooftop Equipment Securement Guidelines
• Rooftop PV Systems Windstorm Guidelines
• Windstorm Protection Guidelines

You may consult with your local TMA Loss Control representative for assistance with implementing this advice at your facility.

If you have fire protection equipment that is out of service, report the situation and expected duration to Impairment Notification Online: www.TMAmerica.com/impairments

As part of Tokio Marine America's commitment to providing high quality loss control services to our policyholders, we offer web-based resources that can assist you in hurricane preparedness safety training. Visit www.TMAmerica.com/SafetySkills for more information.

Helpful Resources

Below are links to websites that have useful information to help employers prepare for hurricane season.

• National Safety Council - Hurricane Preparedness
• National Weather Service - Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
• National Weather Service - After a Hurricane
• NOAA Weather Radio Live Streams
• FEMA's Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation Planning and mobile app for alerts, tips, and additional resources
• Texas Department of Insurance - 7 things you should do before hurricane season
• Red Cross resources to prepare your home and family
• Ready.gov provides detailed information, including Response and Recovery Plans, for developing a business preparedness plan.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - The information and suggestions presented by Tokio Marine Management, Inc. is for your consideration in your loss prevention efforts. They are not intended to be complete or definitive in identifying all hazards associated with your business, preventing workplace accidents, or complying with any safety related, or other, laws or regulations. You are encouraged to alter them to fit the specific hazards of your business and to have your legal counsel review all of your plans and company policies.