Hurricane Melissa: Preparation, Mitigation, and Post-Storm Claim Strategy for Property Owners

Hurricane Melissa is tracking toward the U.S. coastline with the potential to bring destructive winds, storm surge, and widespread property damage. Commercial and residential property owners who take the right steps now can greatly reduce risk and put themselves in a stronger position once the storm passes. Preparation protects more than buildings. It protects businesses, income, and long-term stability.

Before landfall, secure all loose outdoor items, verify that roof systems and drainage are clear, and safeguard critical documents. Photograph the current condition of your property inside and out. These simple actions serve as strong evidence later if you need to prove storm-related damage. If you have business operations, back up all essential systems and create a plan to minimize downtime.

During the storm, stay safe and avoid attempting temporary repairs until conditions improve. Once the threat is over, document everything. Water intrusion, roof damage, lost inventory, and interruption to business operations often worsen quickly. Insurance companies will push for the fastest and cheapest resolution. They rarely volunteer what you are truly owed under the policy you paid for.

This is where Marshall Adjusting makes the most impact. We represent policyholders exclusively, never the insurance companies. We understand the complexities of hurricane claims including wind vs. flood causation, ordinance and law coverage, business interruption, and depreciation issues. Our team conducts a full loss evaluation, handles communication with the insurance carrier, and fights to make sure damages are properly valued. With over a century of experience advocating for policyholders, we help you avoid underpayments and denials that can devastate recovery.

The insurance claim you file after Hurricane Melissa may become one of the most important business decisions you make. Trying to navigate that process alone can lead to lost time, stress, and a much smaller settlement. While you focus on rebuilding and protecting your people, Marshall Adjusting is by your side to secure the compensation you deserve.

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your plan does not have to be. Prepare now, mitigate what you can, and after the storm hits, call Marshall Adjusting to level the playing field and protect your future.