Protecting Your Property from Summer Storms
Summer brings warmer temperatures, longer days and the potential for severe weather. As a commercial property owner or manager, it's essential to take proactive measures to protect your valuable assets from the destructive power of potential hurricanes and other summer storms. By implementing the right strategies, you can minimize damage, safeguard your business and ensure the safety of your employees and customers.
Below are some effective ways to protect your commercial property from summer storms:
Conduct a comprehensive property inspection – Schedule a thorough inspection of your property. Look for signs of wear and tear like loose roof shingles, damaged gutters or weak tree branches near buildings. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can prevent further damage during storms. Consider hiring a professional inspector to assess the structural integrity of your property and identify any potential vulnerabilities.
Maintain landscaping for safety – Trimming trees and shrubs around your commercial property doesn't just improve its curb appeal – it can be crucial for
storm preparedness. Overhanging branches can become hazardous projectiles during high winds, causing damage to windows, roofs and other structures. Regularly prune trees and remove dead or weak branches to reduce the risk of falling debris. Additionally, ensure your drainage systems are clear from debris to prevent flooding.
Reinforce business doors and windows – Strengthening your commercial property's entry points is vital for storm protection. Consider installing impact-resistant doors and windows that can withstand strong winds and flying debris. Reinforce existing doors and windows with storm shutters or impact-resistant film to provide an extra layer of protection.
Secure loose items – Inspect your property for loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure outdoor furniture, signage and equipment that can be moved easily. Anchor large objects like dumpsters and storage containers to prevent them from being tossed around during storms. By securing loose items, you can minimize the risk of damage to your property and surrounding structures.
Implement an emergency preparedness plan – Developing and implementing an
emergency preparedness plan is crucial for protecting your business and ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. Create evacuation routes, establish designated shelter areas and communicate the plan to your employees. Consider installing emergency generators to ensure power availability during outages. Regularly review and update the plan to account for any changes in your property or workforce.
Review your insurance coverage – Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered in case of storm-related damage. Ensure you have adequate coverage for potential risks, including wind, hail and water damage. Consult with your insurance provider to clarify any uncertainties and make necessary adjustments to your coverage if needed.
Your Summer Storm Professionals
If you’re a business owner or manager, planning ahead can be a helpful way to ease your mind when it comes to summer storms and hurricane season. By knowing that you are fully prepared for whatever curveballs nature may throw your way, you will be able to move forward with the confidence that, should disaster strike, your business has the ability to rebound quickly. That peace of mind is precisely what we provide at Guarantee Restoration Services with thorough pre-loss planning services that cover everything from cloud-based documentation of your pre-loss building and contents to a detailed action plan.
