Preparing for Hurricane Season: Turning Insight Into Action

In this Risk Capital Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Aon leaders examine what the upcoming U.S. hurricane season demands from today’s decision-makers — and how organizations can convert risk insight into decisive action. Rather than relying on historical assumptions, the discussion emphasizes how leaders use current data, analytics and planning discipline to protect people, capital and operations. The episode highlights how organizations that prepare early, communicate clearly and act in real-time are better positioned to safeguard value when it matters most.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preparation starts before hurricane season begins. Organizations that stay ahead treat hurricane readiness as a year-round priority — with clear accountability, trained teams and plans in place well before a storm forms.
2. Changes in storm patterns and secondary impacts mean leaders can no longer rely on historical assumptions. Decisions around preparedness, exposure and recovery are increasingly grounded in current data, analytics and real-time insights.
3. Clear communication across stakeholders plays a critical role in recovery. When contacts are defined, expectations are aligned and information flows consistently, organizations are able to respond more effectively and move through the claims process with greater confidence.

Experts in this episode:

• Dan Hartung, Global Head of Event Response for Risk Capital, Aon
• Jill Dalton, Group Managing Director, Property Risk Consulting, Aon
• John Dickson, Executive Vice President, Aon Affinity

Key moments:

(01:42) Why recent, quieter, hurricane seasons can create a false sense of confidence and what recent claims trends signal about insurer expectations and preparedness.

(04:26) How evolving storm behavior and secondary impacts are widening the protection gap — and why current risk insight is essential for informed decisions.

(13:10) Practical actions organizations can take now to strengthen readiness, including governance, communication planning and claims preparedness.

Soundbites:

Dan Hartung:
“If a storm does develop, there's the potential again for it to make landfall. And I would say at the end of the day, it really only takes one. So, it's best to be prepared in advance, take advantage of all of the analytics and expertise that we have to offer to help your organizations stay ahead of the curve.”

Jill Dalton:

“Communication and information is critical and to understand that claims when they happen, there are a series of expectations that need to be managed. Different stakeholders will want different information at different times.”

John Dickson:

“First of all, you're thinking about readiness and preparation. The time to think about these things is when the sun is shining, not when storm clouds are brewing. You need to act now.”

Key Resources:
Be Prepared: Natural Catastrophe Resources and Response