Storm Preparedness Tips for Business Owners

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure to back up important files.

Storm Preparation Tips

Any commercial property owner in Bay City, WI, knows that hurricane damage is devastating. Even businesses further from the coast are susceptible to the impact of high winds and severe storms. Unfortunately, you cannot prevent Mother Nature from inflicting mayhem. Here are some storm preparation steps to protect yourself and your investment.

Have a Safety Plan

In an emergency, the priority is the safety of your employees and yourself. Prepare ahead of time by setting and practicing evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures. Always have these items accessible:

• Fire extinguisher
  
• Basic tools, including flashlights
  
• Emergency numbers
  
• First aid kit
  
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
  
• Blankets
  
  

Protect Important Records

Hurricane damage can involve high winds and flooding. Water may destroy papers and electrical equipment, such as computers. Prior to a storm threat, take the time to safeguard critical business documents.

• Back up data files regarding employee records, tax information, insurance policies, customer information and inventory. Keep backed up material secure at an off-site location.

• When possible, house on-site paper records in water- and fire-resistant containers.

Prepare Your Structure

During a hurricane, winds can blow at speeds of 74 mph to 215 mph. It is difficult for a building to withstand such weather. Before a tropical storm or another event, put measures in place to prevent and mitigate damage, should it occur.

• Maintain the property year-round. Have the roof inspected and clear overgrown foliage.
• When a storm is imminent, board the windows, move electronics and valuables to a higher floor, sandbag the area and secure furniture.
• After the weather event has ended, contact a storm restoration specialist as soon as possible to evaluate the damage and begin the mitigation and restoration process.

Hurricane damage at your business in Bay City, WI, can be devastating. However, you can minimize the impact by being prepared. Have a safety plan, protect your documents, stormproof your property and contact a restoration professional immediately in the aftermath.