How to Manage Stress During Hurricane Season: For Adjusters, Policyholders, and Carriers

Hurricane season brings more than just wind and rain. For many, it brings disruption, anxiety, and emotional strain. Whether you're in the field adjusting claims, managing a household, or coordinating a carrier’s response, the pressure is real, and so is the need to stay grounded. Here’s how we all can better manage stress and stay prepared during the height of hurricane season.

For Adjusters: Stay Focused and Resilient

Adjusters are often on the front lines, navigating damage, listening to tough stories, and making quick decisions under pressure. Here are ways to manage the mental and physical demands:

• Prepare early. Ensure your gear, travel plans, and tools are ready before the storm hits. The more proactive you are, the less reactive you’ll feel.

  
  

• Stick to a routine. It’s easy to lose structure during deployments, but consistent sleep, meals, and breaks help maintain energy and mental clarity.

  
  

• Take care of your body. Hydrate. Stretch. Eat well. When stress builds physically, it affects your focus and compassion.

  
  

• Stay connected. Whether it’s checking in with your team or talking to family, social support is a buffer against burnout.

  
  

Claims adjuster supporting policyholder after a hurricane.

For Policyholders: Control What You Can

The uncertainty of a hurricane such as where it will land, how strong it will be, how long it will disrupt life is stressful for any household. A little preparation can go a long way:

• Know your policy. Understand your coverage before a storm is on the radar. Ask your carrier questions in advance so you're not scrambling after the fact.

  
  

• Document your property. Take photos or videos of your home and belongings—this will help if a claim is needed.

  
  

• Make an emergency plan. Know your evacuation routes, keep important documents safe, and prepare an emergency kit.

  
  

• Lean on your adjuster. If you do need to file a claim, know that your adjuster is there to guide and advocate for you. Ask questions. Get clarity. You’re not alone.

  
  

For Carriers & TPAs: Lead With Calm and Clarity

In high-stress seasons, your teams need leadership that balances empathy with execution. Managing adjusters, supporting policyholders, and handling high volumes of claims is no small task.

• Streamline your workflows. Make sure your systems, tools, and escalation paths are ready before the first storm. Confusion breeds stress.

  
  

• Empower your people. Field teams need real-time information, resources, and emotional support. Equip them to succeed and check in regularly.

  
  

• Communicate early and often. Internally and externally, clear, consistent updates reduce anxiety.

  
  

• Champion empathy. Technical training is essential but human connection is what policyholders remember most.

  
  

In the Eye of the Storm, Show Up Strong

Whether you're helping people rebuild, navigating loss yourself, or ensuring your team is ready for what’s ahead, stress during hurricane season is unavoidable, but it can be managed. Preparation, compassion, and communication make all the difference.

Because after the storm, people may not remember every detail of the claim, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

Need a partner who shows up with expertise and heart when it matters most? Let's talk about how AdStrat can strengthen your storm response.

At AdStrat, we believe that preparation, compassion, and communication aren’t just best practices, they’re part of who we are. During hurricane season and every season, our team is committed to delivering exceptional results, doing the right thing, and showing up with care for our clients, policyholders, and one another. Because we’re not just managing claims, we’re helping people recover, rebuild, and move forward.