How to Deal with Commercial Property Damage During Hurricane Season

Helpful Tips for Before, During & After the Storm

As a commercial property owner or manager, navigating hurricane season can be an anxious and overwhelming experience. Whether you are dealing with water damage at your apartment complex due to flooding or structural damage to a government building from high winds, it's important to know how to respond appropriately when facing these kinds of scenarios. You want to make sure that your business is always covered in case of any unexpected damages.

While the ServiceMaster by Singer team is ready to help with the clean-up and restoration of commercial properties in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, there are certain preventative steps you can take to minimize storm damage.

With hurricane season becoming longer and producing more severe storms along the Eastern Seaboard, knowledge is power. Here is everything you need to know about what to do before, during, and after a hurricane or severe storm to protect your business.

Develop A Plan to Protect Your Property Against Storms & Floods

Having a plan in place to protect your property against storms and floods is an essential part of maintaining the value of your home or business. There are a few proactive steps that can be taken to make sure you are prepared, from preventing water from entering your home to responding quickly when roof damage occurs. It's important to think ahead and understand what kind of threats can occur because of weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, or heavy rain.

Here are a few key components of a storm preparation plan:

• Inspect your roof periodically
• Regularly clear your drains, gutters, and downspouts
• Trim and remove dead branches from trees surrounding your property
• Ensure water can flow away from your property
• Secure any loose objects that could become projectiles with strong winds

If a storm does cause damage, it's important to take immediate action and contact ServiceMaster by Singer to minimize any further damaging effects of the event.

Additionally, if a flood occurs, it's vital to take necessary precautions to repair the damage safely. By taking proactive steps and being prepared for inclement weather, you can ensure that you are properly protecting your property from extensive damage.

Know The Local Hurricane Evacuation Plans in Your Area

It is important to always be prepared for the worst when it comes to hurricanes. Knowing your local hurricane evacuation plans before an emergency strikes can help you stay safe and avoid danger. Here are a few additional steps you can take:

• Make sure you have access to reliable sources of information in case an evacuation order is given.
• Keep a battery-powered radio or TV handy
• Bookmark key websites and make sure your smartphone is enabled with a severe-weather alert system
• Be aware of the nearest evacuation routes and shelters, plan out a route beforehand, and make sure all members of your family know exactly where to go if instructed to evacuate

Always be prepared for the unexpected by routinely familiarizing yourself with emergency protocols, so you'll be ready in the event of an emergency situation.

Secure All Windows, Doors & Other Exterior Openings with Water-Resistant Materials

Ensuring your home is protected and safe before a hurricane strikes is critical. Securing all windows, doors, and other exterior openings with water-resistant materials can help keep wind and rain out during the storm. Using non-breakable shutters or boards for window coverage allows property owners to keep their window glass safe from debris that is whipped up in hurricane winds.

Additionally, you should use weatherstripping to ensure a tight fit around any doorways that are not shuttered. While these steps seem like a lot of work, they are essential steps in preparing your property for the upcoming storm. Investing some time now will be worth it!

Check For Any Leaks or Damage After the Storm Passes

After a severe storm has passed, it is important for businesses to take a moment to check their property for any leaks or damage. Conducting regular inspections can help identify and address issues before they become more severe or costly. It is also a good idea to review your documents, such as your insurance policy, to make sure all necessary coverage is in place before an incident occurs. Take the initiative today and ensure your business is functioning smoothly and safely after the storm passes.

Document All Damages to Submit to Insurance Companies for Claims

Documenting commercial property damages can be a complex task. But when done thoroughly and accurately, it is essential to ensure that insurance companies will cover the claims made by the business in an efficient manner. All businesses should create a comprehensive record of all damages, including photographs or videos, and list all details, such as the cause of damage and estimated costs.

Also crucial is to review any policy documents provided and make sure you don’t exclude any valid damages when submitting any insurance claims. Doing so will provide assurance that the best interests of the business are protected from any kind of future legal issue. Navigating the insurance process can be difficult and stressful, especially after a storm or another disaster. Our local team can help you with the insurance claim process to help you quickly recover.

Have A Professional Inspect the Structure of Your Building for Further Damages

After a severe storm has passed, having an experienced professional from ServiceMaster by Singer inspect the structure of your commercial property is an essential part of assessing any underlying damage. Not only do our experts have the necessary knowledge and tools to identify any hidden problems, but we also follow up this assessment with prompt and reliable commercial restoration services.

You can trust that our professional restoration team always has your best interests in mind and will fall back on our industry experience to give you a comprehensive overview of what actions need to be taken. With such experienced professionals at your disposal, you can be sure that your commercial property is in expert hands.