4 steps to summer storm readiness and ERP

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

We are ready for any disaster. Are You?

Summer storms are unpredictable. These storms tend to target just neighborhoods or towns rather than entire counties. If you are one of the folks unfortunate enough to be in the path, your business is vulnerable to fallen trees, hail damage, fire from lightning, wind damage, losing all or part of your roof, flooding, and power outage.

Only minutes later, the storm passes, and you are shocked by the extent of the damage and how quickly it manifested.

Is Summer Storm Damage Preparedness Important? 

As a business owner or manager, one needs to prepare and react to keep people working safely and stay productive. Here are 4 summer storm damage prevention tips to help your business survive and thrive after the sudden summer storm and reduce downtime from storm damage commercial property loss.

Your preparation and reaction to commercial storm damage will be the difference between successful business or weeks of downtime leading to a loss of revenue, and the threat of your competitors picking up valued customers. Prevention and planning along with executing your Emergency Response Plan (ERP) will keep your business up and running after the storm.

#1 Preventative Maintenance 

We all tend to let maintenance items slip as the seasons quickly change. Seasons move from spring to summer and we worry more about baseball than we do maintain any property. Be proactive by scheduling an exterior building inspection on your calendar.

We have a simple checklist to get you started.

• Check the condition of the paint and walls.
• Check for broken windows and doors.
• Check the condition of all railings and steps.
• Check for plants growing on the building or its foundation (and even the roof).
• Clean the roof. Use extreme care when working in high places.
• Clean roof drains and gutters. Test drains and downspouts by flushing them with water. Remove debris.
• Inspect the general condition of the roof.
• Inspect gutters for adequate anchoring and tighten, add more if necessary.
• Inspect the stack and all roof penetrations, reseal.
• Clean up any debris found.

#2 Check Your Commercial Storm Damage Insurance Coverage 

It’s devastating to discover that your insurance policy doesn’t have proper commercial storm damage coverage after a loss.

Along with your preventative maintenance and inspection, schedule an annual policy review with your insurance agent. Be sure to discuss coverages, exclusions, limitations and be certain that you understand them.

#3 Photograph and Document the Condition of Your Commercial Property Routinely

A photographic inventory of your business equipment, inventory organization, interior, and exterior of the business property is essential when navigating a storm damage claim. Your timestamped photographs will accelerate the process when working with your insurance adjuster after the storm damage has occurred and provides proof of adequate maintenance of the commercial property-This helps to receive the proper reimbursement.

#4 Initiate Emergency Response Planning (ERP) with SERVPRO®

It’s vital to the health of your business to have a current emergency plan in place and to update it annually. SERVPRO® of Bloomington/Pontiac Emergency Response Plan (ERP) program guarantees that you and your employees know how to prepare and react to summer storm commercial property damage – as well as other major disasters. Your ERP with SERVPRO® of Bloomington/Pontiac, will give you peace of mind that you have a strategic partner at the ready to respond to your need 24/7/365.