How To Prepare For Hurricane Season

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

If a storm strikes while employees are in the building, it is important that there is an emergency plan specific to your business that they can follow

As we near the end of July, we find ourselves almost two months into hurricane season in the United States, as it spans from June 1st to November 30th. It’s important to note that here on the east coast, August through October is usually the height of hurricane season. This year, we may be in store for a 50% more severe hurricane season than usual, according to a study recently published by Colorado State University. Hurricanes pose a significant threat to commercial business and small businesses in particular. So, as we approach the beginning of August, it’s critical that commercial businesses prepare and take action in order to prevent devastating hurricane damage.

Take Action Before The Storm

Many businesses have essential documents that house important information. During a hurricane, such documents have an increased risk of becoming damaged or destroyed. Keeping important documents in waterproof storage containers and making copies to keep off-site are two ways in which you can best protect essential information. Additionally, in an emergency, it is important to be able to contact employees. Because many employees may be working remotely instead of where they would normally be working, make sure that your business has updated contact information to reach them and confirm their safety during an emergency. To protect your business’ property, it may be beneficial to have your roof inspected for underlying damage so that if there are any issues, they can be resolved prior to the storm’s arrival. Additionally, purchasing storm shutters and sandbags can be useful in preventing damage from flying debris and flooding.

Have A Plan In Place

If a storm strikes while employees are in the building, it is important that there is an emergency plan specific to your business that they can follow. Put together a plan that indicates which stairwells and exits employees should use and make sure that the employees familiarize themselves with the plan. Posting copies of the plan with visuals around the building to serve as reminders can be incredibly helpful guidance during an emergency.

SERVPRO Is Here To Help

Taking these precautions can increase your business’ level of hurricane preparedness and decrease the probability of undergoing extensive storm damage, but can still bring unexpected devastation. This hurricane season, if your business succumbs to unforeseen damage due to a hurricane, look no further than SERVPRO. Our team of disaster recovery and storm damage experts are highly trained and ready to help your business return to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible.