The Jersey Shore offers stunning coastal beauty—but for commercial property owners in Manasquan and the greater Shore Area, that beauty comes with a serious risk during hurricane season. Businesses located near the Atlantic Ocean and Manasquan River face heightened threats from storm surges, high winds, and flooding. Without a solid hurricane preparedness plan, valuable commercial assets and business continuity can be severely compromised. Unlike inland businesses, Shore Area properties must contend with unique environmental factors that demand specialized preparation strategies. From wind-resistant building upgrades to comprehensive continuity planning, now is the time to safeguard your commercial property before the next hurricane makes landfall.
Understanding Shore Area Commercial Hurricane Vulnerabilities
Coastal Exposure Factors - Manasquan’s proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Manasquan River puts commercial properties at significant risk of flooding and wind damage. Coastal storms can drive seawater inland, causing widespread residential water damage and destruction to commercial infrastructure. Low-lying areas near marinas or the riverbanks are especially vulnerable to storm surge inundation, while open beachfront properties face the full force of hurricane winds.
Building Type Considerations - Commercial buildings in the Shore Area vary widely—from wood-frame retail shops to multi-story concrete hotels and steel-structured marine facilities. Each construction type reacts differently to hurricane forces:
Wood-frame structures are prone to wind uplift and water intrusion.
Flat-roofed buildings may suffer roof membrane failure during high winds.
Older buildings may lack proper anchoring or bracing against lateral wind pressure.
Understanding how your specific building type responds to storm conditions is essential for prioritizing reinforcement efforts.
Business Operation Risks - Commercial sectors face unique challenges during hurricanes:
Retail stores risk inventory loss from water intrusion and power outages.
Hospitality businesses must protect guests and prepare for mass evacuation or cancellation scenarios.
Marine services (like boat storage and repair shops) face risks from dock destruction and vessel displacement.
Critical Infrastructure and Building Preparations
Before hurricane season arrives, it’s vital to schedule a professional structural assessment of your commercial property. Focus areas should include the integrity of the roof, flashing, and drainage systems, as well as the anchoring of exterior elements like signage and awnings. Inspect load-bearing walls and any wind-bracing systems to ensure they meet modern standards for storm resistance. Depending on the findings, reinforcements such as hurricane straps, braced windows, or the use of flood-resistant materials at ground level may be recommended to fortify your building against high winds and rising water.
Protecting your roof and windows is another essential step. Commercial-grade storm shutters or impact-resistant windows can significantly reduce the chances of breakage during a hurricane. Flat roofs benefit from membrane sealing systems, and rooftop HVAC units should be properly anchored to prevent displacement. Vulnerable entry points, such as doors and ground-level windows, should be sealed with waterproof coatings to block wind-driven rain. These proactive measures help minimize the risk of structural breaches and interior water damage.
Utilities are especially vulnerable during coastal storms, and outages or saltwater exposure can bring business operations to a halt. HVAC units and electrical panels should be elevated wherever possible to keep them above potential flood levels. Backflow valves can protect plumbing systems from sewage backup, and backup generators should be securely installed with adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide hazards. Just as important as installing safeguards is ensuring that all utility systems are maintained regularly and inspected ahead of storm season.
Inventory and Equipment Protection Strategies
In flood-prone Shore Area locations, inventory and equipment must be strategically protected. Elevating high-value items like office computers, POS systems, inventory shelving, and sensitive tools is a practical first step. Use waterproof pallets or steel shelving, and whenever possible, relocate these items to upper floors. This preparation reduces the chance of damage if floodwaters enter your property. For items that are critical to business continuity, it’s important to have a relocation plan in place. Evaluate which assets can be safely and cost-effectively moved inland and ensure you understand whether they are adequately covered by your insurance if they remain onsite. Partnering with an off-site storage facility or using a nearby secure location as a staging area can help streamline this process and reduce stress during storm preparation.
In addition to moving and elevating inventory, flood barriers can offer an extra layer of protection. Commercial-grade sandbags, water-activated barriers, and modular flood panels can help keep water out of vulnerable areas. The key is to install these systems well before a storm hits—waiting until the last minute can result in dangerous and ineffective implementation.
Creating a Comprehensive Business Continuity Plan
A strong business continuity plan ensures your operation can weather a storm both figuratively and literally. Begin by establishing emergency operations procedures that detail the shutdown of utilities and electronic systems, outline safety checklists for staff, and coordinate with local emergency response teams. Assigning specific roles and responsibilities in advance helps ensure that critical tasks are carried out efficiently under pressure. Maintaining communication with your team is equally critical. Establish a group messaging platform or a reliable phone tree so you can stay in contact with employees before, during, and after a hurricane. Keep all staff informed with regular updates and make sure they know how to access emergency procedures and contact information. Clear communication can minimize confusion and facilitate a faster return to normal operations. Enabling remote operations can provide vital flexibility during a disaster. Cloud-based systems for accounting, inventory management, and customer service can allow your business to continue functioning even if your physical location is compromised. Ensure that essential data is backed up off-site, and that key personnel have the tools and protocols needed to work remotely during the recovery period.
Insurance and Documentation Preparation
One of the most overlooked aspects of hurricane preparedness is insurance. Many commercial property owners don’t realize they’re underinsured until it’s too late. In advance of hurricane season, review your current policies to ensure you have adequate flood and wind coverage. Business interruption insurance should also be evaluated to confirm that it reflects current operational needs and updated property values. Detailed documentation of your property is a powerful tool when filing post-storm insurance claims. Capture high-resolution photos and videos of both the interior and exterior of your business and maintain a detailed inventory of valuable equipment and assets, including serial numbers. These records should be backed up in the cloud and stored in a secure off-site location to ensure they remain accessible even if your property is damaged.
To make the claims process as smooth as possible, organize key resources in advance. Keep a list of trusted contractors, restoration professionals, and your insurance contacts in an easily accessible file. Centralize important documents such as policies, repair invoices, receipts, and property assessments in a digital folder. This level of organization helps you act quickly and confidently in the aftermath of a storm, reducing downtime and financial loss. The unpredictability of hurricane season along the Jersey Shore requires commercial property owners to be proactive, not reactive. Preparation can’t wait until a storm is on the radar—comprehensive planning now can mean the difference between a quick recovery and devastating losses. From structural upgrades to continuity planning and insurance readiness, every step matters. A professional assessment can identify vulnerabilities you may overlook, especially in coastal communities like Manasquan where risks are elevated.
ServiceMaster of The Shore Area specializes in helping Jersey Shore businesses prepare for and recover from hurricane-related disasters. Our team understands the unique challenges coastal commercial properties face and offer tailored solutions for protection and restoration.
Don’t leave your business exposed this hurricane season—contact ServiceMaster of The Shore Area today for expert preparation guidance and 24/7 emergency restoration services.
