With forecasters predicting slightly below-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, relief is tempered by two truths: Some 90 percent of all major hurricane activity typically occurs after August 1. And just one significant land-falling hurricane, which is likely even in a “light” season, can be devastating. The 2011 season was relatively benign, for example—unless you were in the path of Hurricane Irene or were affected by Tropical Storm Lee in the Gulf region.

So be cautiously optimistic, but not complacent, as we enter the prime season. You cannot alter the course of Mother Nature, but you can alter the impact a big storm has on your business income and revenue streams.

Business-interruption costs are a large part of any hurricane losses and can have a major impact even on facilities not severely damaged by a storm. It is important that you have a well-thought-out catastrophe plan designed to provide safety for your employees and protect your property. There are steps you can take now to mitigate the costly business interruptions that can follow a hurricane—or any catastrophe.