Commercial Storm Damage Tips

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial storm damage resulting from a tornado in Dresden, TN

As a business owner, storm damage can cause significant disruption to your operations and result in significant financial losses. Therefore, it's essential to have a plan in place to minimize the risk of storm damage and reduce its impact on your business. In this blog post, we'll share some storm damage tips for commercial and business properties to help you protect your business and minimize the impact of storm damage. 

Reduce the Risk of Commercial Storm Damage

1. Conduct a risk assessment: Identify potential hazards in and around your commercial property, such as loose roof tiles, trees close to the building, or clogged gutters. Take steps to mitigate these risks, such as trimming trees or reinforcing the roof.
2. Maintain your property: Regular maintenance of your commercial property can help prevent storm damage. For instance, keep your roof and gutters clean and in good condition to prevent water damage. Repair any leaks or structural damage promptly to prevent further damage during a storm.
3. Create an emergency plan: Develop a plan to protect your staff and customers in the event of a storm. Ensure that everyone knows the evacuation procedures and how to get to safety. Also, designate a specific area where everyone can meet in case of an emergency. FEMA's Preparedness Planning for Businesses page has hazard-specific step-by-step guides for your business to help you make a plan for any disaster you may encounter.
4. Invest in storm-resistant features: Consider installing storm-resistant features such as impact-resistant windows, reinforced doors, and storm shutters. These features can significantly reduce the risk of damage during a storm.

What to Do During and After a Storm

1. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed about any alerts or warnings from the National Weather Service or local authorities. Using an app, like the ReadyTN app from TMEA, is a great way to have vital information in one spot. This information can help you make timely decisions about whether to evacuate or take other safety measures.
2. Secure your property: If a storm is approaching, secure loose items around your commercial property, such as signs, outdoor furniture, and trash cans. Move valuable items to higher ground to prevent water damage.
3. Document the damage: Take pictures and videos of any storm damage to your commercial property. This documentation can help speed up the insurance claims process and the commercial storm restoration process.
4. Contact a professional storm restoration company: If your commercial property has suffered storm damage, contact a professional storm restoration company like SERVPRO Team Caldwell immediately. They have the expertise, tools, and equipment to handle any commercial storm damage and get your property back to its pre-storm condition as quickly as possible.

How to Make the Commercial Storm Restoration Process Quicker

1. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the storm damage as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary information, including photos and videos of the damage.
2. Call a professional storm restoration company: Contact a professional storm restoration company like SERVPRO Team Caldwell to assess the damage and begin the restoration process. They will work with you and your insurance company to ensure that the restoration process is quick and efficient.
3. Follow the restoration company's recommendations: The restoration company will provide recommendations on what needs to be done to restore your commercial property. Follow these recommendations promptly to ensure that the restoration process is as quick as possible.
4. Stay in communication: Stay in communication with the restoration company and your insurance company throughout the restoration process. This can help you stay informed about the progress and any delays in the restoration process.