Hurricane Season Preparedness for Bergen County Construction Sites

With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season already showing above-normal activity, Bergen County contractors face a critical window to protect their job sites and financial investments. The memories of Hurricane Ida's devastating impact on Hackensack, Fort Lee, and Teaneck in 2021 serve as a stark reminder: preparation isn't optional—it's essential for survival in our industry.

2025 Hurricane Season Alert

NOAA predicts a 60% chance of above-normal activity this season, with 14-20 named storms expected. Bergen County's proximity to the coast and recent flooding patterns make preparation crucial.

The True Cost of Hurricane Damage to Construction Sites

Hurricane Ida taught Bergen County contractors expensive lessons. Local construction sites suffered an estimated $45 million in damages, with individual contractors facing:

Project Delays: Average 3-6 month setbacks on active projects
Equipment Loss: $50,000-$250,000 in damaged machinery per site
Material Damage: Complete loss of unsecured materials
Contract Penalties: Liquidated damages for weather-related delays
Insurance Gaps: Uncovered losses averaging $75,000 per claim

Bergen County's Unique Hurricane Vulnerabilities

Our region faces specific challenges that amplify hurricane risks:

Flood-Prone Areas

• Hackensack River corridor sites
• Low-lying areas in Teaneck
• Fort Lee's hillside runoff zones
• Paramus Route 17 flood plains

Wind Exposure Risks

• High-rise construction in Fort Lee
• Open sites along Route 4
• Ridgewood's tree-fall zones
• Exposed roofing projects

Pre-Storm Checklist: 72-Hour Hurricane Preparation Plan

72 Hours Before Landfall

Documentation & Insurance

Photograph all equipment, materials, and project progress
Video walkthrough of entire job site with date/time stamp
Backup all project documents to cloud storage
Review insurance policy limits and deductibles
Contact your agent at Midland Associates for coverage verification

Equipment & Materials

Move all portable equipment to secure indoor storage
Lower crane booms and secure according to manufacturer specs
Remove or secure all loose materials and debris
Fuel all generators and pumps for post-storm use
Stage tarps and emergency supplies in accessible locations

Site Preparation

Clear all storm drains and ensure proper drainage
Secure scaffolding or dismantle if necessary
Install plywood over window openings
Reinforce temporary structures and fencing
Disconnect utilities where appropriate

Critical Insurance Coverage Gaps Most Contractors Miss

Our claims data reveals these common coverage gaps that cost Bergen County contractors thousands:

1. Flood vs. Wind Damage Distinction

Standard general liability and property policies exclude flood damage. After Ida, many Hackensack contractors discovered their "storm damage" was classified as flood damage, leaving them uncovered.

Solution: Separate flood insurance or comprehensive builders risk policy

2. Business Interruption Coverage

When Fort Lee construction sites were inaccessible for weeks after Ida, contractors without business interruption coverage absorbed all downtime costs.

Solution: Add business interruption with adequate limits for 3-6 month delays

3. Debris Removal Limits

Standard policies cap debris removal at 25% of the damage amount. Teaneck contractors faced $100,000+ in uncovered removal costs.

Solution: Increase debris removal sublimits before hurricane season

4. Equipment Breakdown from Power Surges

Post-storm power surges damaged countless pieces of equipment. Standard tools and equipment coverage often excludes electrical damage.

Solution: Equipment breakdown coverage endorsement

Local Case Studies: Lessons from Hurricane Ida

Case Study 1: Hackensack High-Rise Project

A 12-story residential project near the Hackensack River suffered $2.3 million in damages when flooding reached the third floor of the structure. The general contractor's standard builders risk policy excluded flood damage.

Result: $1.8 million uncovered loss, 8-month delay, contract termination

Case Study 2: Fort Lee Infrastructure Project

A contractor working on Route 67 improvements had comprehensive hurricane coverage including flood, debris removal, and business interruption. Despite $800,000 in damages, insurance covered 95% of losses.

Result: Full recovery within 60 days, retained all contracts, minimal out-of-pocket costs

Bergen County Hurricane Resources for Contractors

Emergency Contacts

• Bergen County OEM: (201) 336-6000
• PSEG Emergency: 1-800-436-7734
• NJ Natural Gas: 1-800-221-0051
• Midland Associates: (201) 812-2184

Monitoring Resources

• National Hurricane Center
• NJ 511 Traffic Updates
• Bergen County Alerts
• Local municipal OEM pages

Action Steps: Protect Your Construction Business Today

Immediate Hurricane Preparedness Actions

Schedule Insurance Review

Contact Midland Associates for a comprehensive hurricane coverage analysis specific to your Bergen County projects

Create Site-Specific Plans

Develop hurricane response plans for each active job site, considering local flood zones and wind exposure

Update Emergency Contacts

Ensure all project managers have current emergency contacts and understand evacuation procedures

Stock Emergency Supplies

Maintain adequate tarps, pumps, generators, and securing materials at each site

The Bottom Line: Insurance as Your Hurricane Defense

Hurricane preparedness isn't just about securing job sites—it's about protecting your business's financial future. The contractors who weathered Hurricane Ida successfully had one thing in common: comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to hurricane risks.

As Bergen County's trusted construction insurance specialists, Midland Associates has helped hundreds of contractors navigate hurricane seasons successfully. We understand the unique challenges facing Hackensack, Fort Lee, and Teaneck construction sites.

Get Your Free Hurricane Coverage Analysis

Don't wait for the next storm warning. Protect your construction business with proper hurricane insurance coverage.

Get Hurricane Coverage Quote Call (201) 812-2184

Available 24/7 during hurricane warnings and emergencies

Remember:

Hurricane season runs through November 30th. Every day without proper coverage is a risk to your business. Contact Midland Associates today to ensure your construction projects and financial future are protected from the next storm.

Hurricane Season Preparedness for Bergen County Construction Sites: Protecting Your Projects and Bottom Line