Prepare for Hurricane Season 2022
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
Are you prepared if your commercial property experiences a flood?
As a business owner, you must protect your property. You likely have insurance covering you in case of theft, fire or other serious property damage, but not all policies cover flood damage. Even if you don't live in an area prone to flooding, one burst pipe is all it takes to create a big problem. Living on the coast of Georgia we have all experienced how fast water can rise due to a storm surge or an incoming hurricane. Here are a few ways to prepare your business for potential damages this season.
Have Digital Backups of Any Paper Files
No matter how well you prepare, your paper files are at risk if storm damage is a possibility. If you don't already have digital copies of your important paperwork, now is the time to create these backups. Doing so can save you days' worth of headaches during the restoration process.
- Property deeds
- Insurance policies
- Inventory lists
- Employee information
- Company handbooks and policies
- Client or customer information
Create Sandbags to Protect Your Building
Placing sandbags at the doors and windows can protect your property from up to two feet of storm water. After filling each bag with sand, fold the top over and place the bag with the folded top down. Create one layer at a time, and limit their placement to three layers, unless you intend to create a pyramid or are leaning the bags against doors and windows. Remember, sandbags are a temporary solution and aren't likely to protect the building from larger floods.
Move What You Can
Consider your furniture and whether you have higher ground in your building. If you have a second story, move as much furniture and equipment to the higher floor as possible. If you have enough notice and a second property that is on higher ground, consider moving furniture and equipment to a new building entirely.
While you aren't likely to get away from flooding with no damage at all, following these steps will help you protect much of your property. Less time spent cleaning up means more time getting back into the swing of doing business. If you have water damage and need help call SERVPRO of Brunswick, GA at 912-264-6094