The damaging effects of a hurricane can leave your business inoperable. That’s why business owners in the U.S. must prepare for storms properly. From early June to late November, hurricane season impacts coastal regions of the East and Southeast coasts — the peak of which occurs from August to October.
To ensure that your commercial property is protected from hurricane damage, the team at Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. has created a checklist of 10 essential tasks to complete in preparation for the season to help reduce your risk of serious restoration needs.
Checklist To Ensure You’re Ready For Hurricane Season
Hurricane preparation is about more than just improving your property’s storm resistance. It’s also about creating plans and systems that help you handle the threat of a hurricane before it happens.
1. Create an Emergency Plan
Creating an emergency plan is key for eliminating chaos in the wake of a hurricane. Examples of things to include are updated employee contact lists, evacuation plans, and the roles of your emergency response team.
2. Ensure Proper Coverage
Business owners should review and update insurance coverage and take time-stamped photos and videos of property, equipment, and inventory. This makes submitting a claim easier after a storm.
3. Check Your Roof
Heavy rain and strong winds can do severe damage to your roof. Before the season begins, check your roof-mounted signs, equipment, and more to ensure they are well anchored. A contractor should also check for loose shingles, flashing, or leaks and have them reinforced.
4. Secure Windows and Doors
It’s essential to keep the elements out by repairing or replacing damaged windows and doors. When a hurricane arrives, you can protect your property by securing all doors and boarding up windows to reduce the risks associated with flying debris.
5. Test Your Generator
Ensure your business has emergency power by testing your generator and checking that it’s fueled. If your system requires repair, schedule it ASAP to be reliable throughout the hurricane season.
6. Help Prevent Floods
Business owners should take steps to protect their valuable property against flood damage. This includes elevating critical items like electronics, HVAC, and inventory and using sandbags to divert water from buildings.
7. Create an Emergency Supply Kit
During a hurricane, you’ll need access to important supplies like flashlights, first aid supplies, sandbags, shovels, plastic sheeting, and more. You may also want access to things like water and nonperishable foods.
8. Store Vehicles and Mobile Equipment
If your business uses any vehicles or mobile equipment, you’ll want to get them to safety. Identify a secure place to store them before the hurricane season begins so that you can quickly and effectively protect them when a storm is coming.
9. Protect Your Data
Make sure you have moved or duplicated any critical records. You can move data to an offsite location, but cloud storage may be your best option while adding extra security to your business.
10. Stay Informed
Your primary goal is to stay informed, so you know when to act. Monitor forecasts closely and sign up for alerts from trusted organizations like FEMA, the National Hurricane Center, and local emergency management agencies. Early warnings can help you secure your property and evacuate in time.
Choose Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. Today
Even with the proper preparation, you may still experience storm damage from a hurricane. If this happens, get your business back on its feet fast with 24/7 storm damage restoration from Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. Our team of experts delivers extraordinary care in your time of need and ensures your property is efficiently restored to its former state.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. today to learn more about our storm damage services.
