Civil unrest, which includes protests, riots, and demonstrations, can disrupt communities and cause significant property damage, theft, and violence. These events, which often stem from political tensions, social justice movements, or economic grievances, underscore the need for preparation and business insurance protection.
As future events such as elections and economic instability loom, the potential impact of civil unrest on businesses cannot be overstated. Companies must proactively prepare for possible unrest. The risks of civil unrest — fires, vandalism, and looting — can severely impact businesses. Companies can reduce potential financial losses during these volatile times by implementing security best practices and securing the right coverages, including comprehensive property insurance.
Minimizing Fire Risks
Fires are one of the most severe threats businesses face during civil unrest. Implementing these fire prevention strategies can lower the risk of fire-related damage.
- Move dumpsters: To reduce the risk of fire spreading from outside, position dumpsters at least 20 feet from the building.
- Clear debris: Remove combustible materials such as pallets, cardboard, or trash from around the building.
- Trim vegetation: Maintain defensible space around the property by trimming vegetation that could catch fire.
- Relocate vehicles and equipment: Move cars, machinery, and equipment away from the building to prevent them from becoming fuel for fires.
Protecting Against Theft and Vandalism
Looting and vandalism are common during civil unrest, and businesses must take extra precautions to secure valuable assets and deter theft or damage:
- Secure high-value items: Store smaller, valuable items in vaults or safes, and ensure larger equipment is in fenced, monitored areas.
- Remove potential projectiles: Clear loose objects, such as rocks or bricks, that could be used to break windows or damage doors.
- Install barriers: Use bollards or reinforced barriers to prevent vehicles from ramming into your building.
- Use shatterproof glass and shutters: Install shatterproof or roll-down shutters to protect windows from break-ins and vandalism.
Securing Roof Access
Roofs are often overlooked but can serve as vulnerable entry points during civil unrest. Take these measures to secure your roof:
- Install surveillance cameras: Monitor roof access points with security cameras to detect unauthorized entry.
- Secure roof doors and skylights: Reinforce access points, including roof doors, and install guards on skylights to prevent break-ins.
- Lock or remove ladders: Store ladders securely and lock them to prevent unauthorized access to the roof.
- Clear loose materials: Remove any loose debris or equipment from the roof to reduce the risk of fire, damage, or injury.
Planning: Proactive Risk Management
A proactive approach to civil unrest can help mitigate risks before they become threats. Consider these planning steps:
- Determine your risk exposures. At Brooks, Todd & McNeil, we can help you complete a civil unrest assessment that will identify your top risks associated with civil unrest.
- Take steps to reduce your risk: Use the best practices outlined above to create a checklist of actions needed to secure your building, safeguard employees, and communicate with local authorities.
- Maintain updated contact lists: Ensure you have contact information for local law enforcement, emergency services, and key personnel.
- Monitor local events: Follow news outlets and social media to stay informed about potential civil unrest in your area.
- Establish evacuation plans: Designate multiple evacuation routes to ensure employee safety in the event of nearby unrest.
How Insurance Protects Against Civil Unrest
While civil unrest is unpredictable, businesses can protect themselves by combining proactive preparation with a comprehensive risk management strategy. By securing their property through fire prevention, theft deterrence, and proactive planning, they reduce the physical risks associated with unrest.
However, even with the best preparation, businesses cannot eliminate the risk of damage from civil unrest altogether. Having the appropriate insurance coverage provides a financial safety net when incidents occur. Key coverages include:
- General liability insurance: Protects your business from lawsuits or claims if someone is injured on your property during civil unrest. It also covers third-party property damage claims.
- Property insurance: Covers physical damage to your building, equipment, and inventory due to fires, vandalism, or theft. This coverage ensures you can quickly repair or replace damaged assets.
- Business interruption insurance: Compensates for lost income if civil unrest temporarily forces your business to close. It can also cover ongoing expenses such as rent, payroll, and utilities.
Additional Possible Coverage Options
- Civil authority coverage: Covers income lost due to government-mandated shutdowns for safety.
- Debris removal coverage: Pays for clearing debris after damage, enabling faster repairs.
- Riot and civil commotion endorsements: Ensures comprehensive coverage for all civil unrest-related damages.
Combine Best Practices and Insurance for Full Protection
Protecting your business from civil unrest requires proactive physical preparation and comprehensive insurance coverage. Businesses that combine security measures such as fire prevention and theft protection and secure vulnerable areas with the right insurance policies are better equipped to minimize damage and recover quickly.
Working with an experienced insurance provider, like Brooks, Todd & McNeil, is essential to ensure your coverage is tailored to your business’s specific risks, as with these examples:
- Given the higher foot traffic and proximity to demonstrations, a city-center retailer may need extra protection against looting and vandalism.
- A suburban office might prioritize coverage for property damage and business interruption due to disruptions in nearby commercial areas.
- A warehouse or manufacturing facility on the outskirts of town may require enhanced security measures and insurance for high-value equipment and inventory, which can be at risk during prolonged unrest.
Our team of experts is ready to tailor a plan that meets your specific needs. We will comprehensively review your current coverage, assess your business’s unique risks, and recommend adjustments or additional coverage options to ensure you are adequately protected.
Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your business from the growing risks of civil unrest with a comprehensive risk management plan.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community the best and most affordable policies from a variety of providers. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.