Preparing Your Commercial Building for Potential Storms

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

When a storm rolls into Simcoe County, will your building be able to withstand Mother Nature? Being prepared in advance with exterior maintenance is a good way to ensure that you will be ready for the unexpected. Here are five steps to help your business handle even the worst storms:

1. Know Your Enemy

Know the types of storms that are likely to affect your building and the area it is located in. The more informed you are about the meteorological conditions you can expect to see in your geographical area, the better you can tailor your building’s exterior maintenance needs to withstand potential damages caused by those conditions.

2. SWOT Analysis

Once you have a better understanding of what kind of climate to expect, it is time to assess your building’s exterior and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Focus especially on the integrity of your windows and doors, as these can be the most vulnerable to damage. Analyze your drainage pipes and gutters, ensuring that they are all clear, so that you are prepared for excessive storm water. Any outstanding potential threats/weaknesses should also be addressed immediately, as there is no way to predict potential storms and what damages they could bring.

3. Fix the Flaws

After you have taken a good look at your facility, focus on reinforcing and strengthening the exterior. Keeping your building maintained will go a long way towards minimizing damages sustained during a storm. Consult your SERVPRO of Barrie professionals who have the storm damage expertise, to ensure that all of your bases have been covered.

4. Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best

Have your SERVPRO team setup your tailored Emergency Ready Plan, so that they can arrive ‘Faster to Any Size Disaster’ and minimize potential future damages with their risk mitigation and repairs. This thorough Emergency Ready Plan will also provide you with a detailed list of locations and instructions on which shut-off valves and electric panels you should access, as well as providing your staff with Emergency Exit Routes and Assembly Points to head to for safety during a storm.

5. Stay Alert

You now have a solid plan in place, and your building has been reinforced in preparation for the worst. Keep alert and check daily for signs of storms and other bad weather heading your way, so that you can act immediately at the first signs of danger.

Keeping your building maintained and prepared means that you have taken more than the appropriate measures in mitigating potential damages caused by storms. Stay watchful but rest peacefully, knowing that you have taken the appropriate precautions and that you are covered by your SERVPRO of Barrie team!