The start of the spring season brings back warmer weather and blooming flowers, but it is also the start of hurricane season and the cause for floods, wind, and rain — all of which can cause damage to business property. You can’t avoid spring storms, but you can take steps to prepare your business from the inevitable damage. The following tips help guide you through the process of making preparations to not only protecting your property, but your finances as well.
Prepare Your Employees
The first consideration you should take to protect your business from spring storms is to inform your employees of a safety plan. All employees should be aware of what to do if a storm hits, including where the safest room of the building is and how to communicate effectively with each other. In the event of evacuation, develop a plan to keep your employees safe during the storm.
Planning is the key element to surviving a storm and keeping your business protected in the process. For example, if a storm is about to hit, employees should know to make sure their mobile devices are charged and all electrical equipment near them is turned off, including computers, printers and fax machines.
Protect Your Building
Take the steps needed to protect your building from a spring storm. The most important aspect of protecting your building is your roof. This is the best defense you have against most natural disasters and storms occurring in the spring season, especially tornadoes and heavy rain or wind. Perform regular maintenance of your roof, have it inspected, and perform any necessary repairs before spring. Use high quality materials for your roof as it can help save your building and contents.
Back-Up Generators
Every business, large or small, should have a back-up generator. Most storms in the spring cause the power to go out and you will need power to keep your business running effectively. Get a generator before the spring storm season hits. If you already have one, be sure it is in working order and get it inspected and repaired if needed. After a storm, you could lose power for days or weeks; the generator may be the only way you have power to run your business. Keep safety in mind when having it installed, such as having proper ventilation when using the generator and keeping it in a safe, dry place.
Building Maintenance
Additional maintenance for your building to help protect it includes cleaning out the gutters and drains and make sure your landscaping allows for water to flow away from your business property. Take a look at the trees outside your building and trim any that appear long enough to crash into your building or windows during a heavy storm.
What to Do Before a Storm
If you have gotten news of a spring storm is heading your way, there are some things you can do to prepare for it. Start by making sure your employees are aware of the safety plan and how to protect themselves during the storm. Charge all wireless phones and devices and be sure your generator is on hand. Retrieve enough cash to operate your business and get access to finances if you can’t access an ATM or bank. If you have a refrigerator or freezer in your office, set the temperature as low as you can to keep the food colder longer. Unplug all other electrical appliances before the storm hits.
Insure Your Business
Finally, be sure you have proper business insurance to help protect your finances if a storm does cause damage. This includes business property insurance and any other policy that your business insurance agent recommends. Read your policy before a storm hits and make sure you have adequate coverage.
Many businesses suffer greatly after a storm because they weren’t prepared for it. Even if your business isn’t located in an area that gets bad storms, you never know what could be coming during the next spring season. Preparing for the worst is the best thing you can do for your business.
