You may know you’re at risk for heavy rains, tornadoes or flooding, but you’ll never know when an extreme weather event will hit. Even with advance warning, you won’t see the intensity until you’re in the thick of it. Your business must prepare for weather-related impacts regardless of the forecast - heavy rain, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, or extreme weather events. Whether it’s logistical issues, business disruptions, or employee safety, you must be ready for whatever comes your way. To better prepare for spring weather, consider the following checklist to manage possible situations and minimize business disruption:
Evaluate Your Risks
Review the company’s flood zones, tornado risks, storm damage insurance and flood/surge limits.
Consider completing a risk assessment, looking for vulnerabilities or weaknesses that would make an asset more susceptible to damage from a hazard.
Stay up-to-date on weather updates that could affect your property.
Create a Communications Plan with an Emergency Notification System
Develop a system for knowing who is in the building in an emergency.
Appoint a primary contact and team leaders to communicate with and direct people in the facility.
Decide how the team will stay in contact and communicate information during the event.
Know Your Capabilities
Have a Safe Room and Evacuation Plans
Determine where your tornado-safe rooms are located.
Create an evacuation plan.
Have emergency supplies ready; Facility protection supplies, hygiene supplies, first aid supplies, food & water, basic tools, and safety apparel.
Practice your plan for each type of event; Severe flood, tornado, power outage etc.
Be Aware of Business Continuity
Plan an off-site backup of critical files or consider a cloud-based backup solution.
Consider what options are available for alternate workspace or production.
Consider short-term outsourcing possibilities for your clients or customers if a major disaster occurs that will make the location operational.
Reduce the Risk of Property Damage
Keep trees, branches and bushes trimmed to prevent damage.
Inspect and repair loose or damaged building components including, but not limited to, pipes, gutters, siding, roofing and soffit.
Have a Pre-Loss Plan in Place with a Restoration Provider
By planning ahead and understanding everything you need, SRM can respond accordingly and proportionately. The SRM pre-disaster agreement allows us to get right to work and get your business open faster. Have a plan in place before a storm hits. Fill out our contact form to create your pre-disaster plan with a dedicated account representative.
