Top Tips To Protect Your Business From Storm Damage

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

From snowstorms and freezing temperatures to heavy rainfall and high winds, weather can be completely unpredictable. No matter how many high-tech machines and trained individuals try, determining what the weather will do at any given moment is dicey at best.

For that very reason, preparing for storm damage is crucial – especially in areas where storms are prevalent and severe. Whether your business is a butcher shop, a gym, a salon, an office building, or what have you, it's best to be prepared just in case the big one hits. For the well-being and safety of your customers and staff, you must protect your business premises whenever and wherever possible. But how do you do that?

During difficult weather conditions, your customers and staff can better be protected if you take into consideration the following advice.

Storm Insurance

The direct effects of a storm on your physical building may not be covered by certain insurance policies. If, while they are on your premises, something happens to staff members or customers as a result of bad weather, they are likely covered, however.

Check with your insurance provider to see what kind of plan you need in place – if any is available – to protect you, your building, and your business against the devastation brought on by a possible storm.

Storm Preparation

Though it's not always possible, the best course of action in preparing for a storm is knowing when one is coming. In many cases, areas prone to severe weather have set up warning systems in the pursuit of storm preparation and safety. If need be, always have a source of weather updates on at your business when severe weather threatens (a weather app, the weather channel on a TV screen, etc.).

You should have a business continuity plan in place to appropriately prepare for a storm. You could end up being without phone service and/or Internet for days. What is “business continuity”? It means that your business will be able to quickly resume business functions or maintain them in the event of a storm or other major disruption. It's a backup plan. Make sure things like the following are covered by your business continuity plan:

• Arrangements for a power backup.
• Details involving emergency contacts.
• A clear definition of who is responsible for anything and everything.
• What to do with stock, equipment, etc.
• Business processes.

One of the biggest things to remember is that safety comes first. Machines, desks, and even some paperwork can be replaced (especially if it's stored digitally). People cannot be replaced. Keep your customers, yourself, and your staff safe at all costs.

Floods

 To help minimize water damage, here are some things you can do if your area is prone to flooding:

• Keep a sandbag supply handy.
• Replace old, broken/deteriorated bricks.
• Replace faulty wooden doors and window frames.
• Move things that should never get wet to the second floor or up on a shelf.
• In your bathroom and kitchen, use water resistant materials.
• To at least 1.5 m above the floor, raise electrical devices, wiring, fuse boxes, sockets, etc.

If there's already a flood warning:

• Should the worst happen, make sure you have copies of important documents stored digitally.
• Move stock, equipment, and valuable items to the second floor if not already done. This includes insurance documents, title deeds, and other important paperwork.
• In areas where water can enter the property, put down your sandbags.
• Turn off your water supply, electricity, and gas.

Got Storm Damage? Count on SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District!

If you can get a handle on storm damage protection before the next storm, all the better. But if you've already experienced storm damage and need someone for restoration and cleanup, contact the experienced, knowledgeable professionals at SERVPRO. We have advanced cleaning and restoration equipment, are locally owned and operated, and have become a trusted leader in the industry of restoration. Compared to others, “We get there faster to any size disaster!”

Contact us today if you need help. We offer 24-hour emergency service.