Summer storm season presents a significant and recurring risk to municipal infrastructure, vehicles, and public assets. Severe weather events—including hailstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and intense thunderstorms—can result in substantial property damage, service disruption, and increased liability exposure.
With storm activity often arriving quickly and with little warning, preparation is critical. The experts at RMA Insurance have prepared the following overview of key risk exposures and practical steps municipalities can take to reduce financial loss, maintain continuity of operations, and protect their assets.
Key Risk Exposures
What storm-related risks should municipalities be aware of?
1. Hail
Hail is one of the most damaging and costly perils affecting municipalities.
Primary Risks:
- Roof damage to municipal buildings (punctures, membrane damage)
- Broken windows, skylights, and exterior fixtures
- Damage to fleet vehicles, transit units, and heavy equipment
- Exposure to rooftop HVAC systems
- Accelerated deterioration of infrastructure, such as siding and signage
2. High Winds
High winds often accompany storms, but can also occur independently and cause widespread damage.
Primary Risks:
- Structural damage to roofs, walls, and facades
- Uplift or displacement of roofing materials
- Downed trees and debris causing secondary damage
- Damage to fences, playgrounds, signs, and street furniture
- Power outages affecting critical services such as water treatment, traffic systems, and emergency services.
3. Tornadoes
Though less frequent, tornadoes present high-severity, catastrophic risk.
Primary Risks:
- Total or partial loss of buildings and critical infrastructure
- Debris impact damage across large areas
- Disruption to essential services, such as emergency services and utilities
- Increased liability exposure from public safety incidents
4. Severe Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms often combine multiple weather hazards.
Primary Risks:
- Heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding and water ingress
- Lightning strikes causing fire or electrical system failure
- Combined wind and hail damage
- Overloaded drainage systems
Risk Mitigation & Preparedness Strategies
How can municipalities reduce storm-related risks?
Effective storm preparedness requires a structured approach that combines maintenance, planning, and operational readiness.
Property & Infrastructure Protection
Regular inspections and targeted upgrades can significantly reduce damage.
- Conduct Seasonal Inspections
- Inspect roofs, flashing, seals, and rooftop equipment
- Identify and repair vulnerabilities before storm season and storm activity increases
- Test backup generators and ensure adequate fuel supplies
- Ensure sump pumps are operational
- Upgrade Roofing Systems
- Consider impact-resistant roofing materials
- Secure rooftop units and ensure proper anchoring
- Protect Openings
- Install storm-resistant glazing or shutters where feasible
- Reinforce doors, overhead bay entrances, and loading areas
Grounds & Asset Management
Well-maintained grounds reduce both direct and secondary damage.
- Tree Maintenance
- Regularly prune or remove hazardous or dead trees
- Maintain clearance around structures, vehicles, and power lines
- Secure Loose Items
- Anchor or store outdoor equipment, benches, and waste containers
- Secure playground equipment and temporary structures
- Drainage Maintenance
- Clear storm drains, culverts, and catch basins
- Ensure and maintain proper grading around critical facilities
Fleet & Equipment Protection
Fleet assets are often highly exposed during storm events.
- Shelter Vehicles When Possible
- Use covered parking or garages during storm watches
- Develop Rapid Response Protocols
- Move critical fleet vehicles to safe storage when warnings are issued
- Protect Sensitive Equipment
- Relocate portable equipment indoors, where feasible
Operational Preparedness
Clear planning and communication reduces disruption and improves response.
- Emergency Planning
- Update severe weather response and business continuity plans annually
- Identify critical operations and continuity requirements
- Monitoring & Alerts
- Implement reliable weather monitoring and alert systems
- Establish clear internal communication protocols
- Staff Training
- Train facilities and operations teams on storm response procedures
- Conduct drills for emergency scenarios
Post-Storm Response
What steps should be taken after a storm event?
A coordinated response helps limit further damage and supports recovery:
- Conduct rapid site assessments for damage and to ensure sites are safe to re-enter
- Document damage and losses thoroughly with photos and written reports
- Secure damaged areas to prevent further loss, including but not limited totarping roofs, securing broken windows, etc.
- Engage insurers and adjusters promptly
- Prioritize restoration of critical services
Insurance Considerations
Is your coverage aligned with storm-related risks?
Municipalities should review their insurance programs regularly to confirm adequate protection.
Key considerations include:
- Replacement cost valuation for buildings and equipment
- Hail and wind deductibles, including percentage-based deductibles
- Business interruption or service interruption exposures
- Fleet and mobile equipment coverage limits
Key Takeaways
- Summer storms present high-frequency, high-severity risks
- Preventative maintenance and asset protection are the most effective cost controls
- Preparedness planning and staff readiness reduce operational disruption
- Strong coordination between risk management, public works, and emergency services is essential
Preparing for summer storm season requires a proactive and coordinated approach. By understanding key exposures, maintaining assets, and establishing clear response plans, municipalities can reduce risk, limit disruptions, and protect critical infrastructure.
For site-specific guidance, municipalities are encouraged to work with their risk advisor or insurance provider to review preparedness strategies and coverage.
For more information please contact: risk@rmainsurance.com