How To Limit Hurricane Damage to Your Business

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Gather supplies and store them in a safe location.

Limit Hurricane Damage To Your Commercial Premises

If you do not properly prepare, hurricane damage may cause your Farragut, TN, business to close permanently. The high winds alone could result in major harm to your property. However, by following the below steps, you can ensure your company survives an impending storm.

1. Purchase Supplies
Disasters do not wait to strike until business hours are over. The storm may actually occur while you and your employees are in the building. You should thus gather supplies and store them in a safe location. The items will keep everyone safe and let you continue running your company during the storm as much as possible. Essential items for your emergency kit include:

• Basic tools
  
• Battery-operated television or radio
  
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for you and your employees
  
• Duct tape
  
• Tarps
  
• Plastic bags
  
• Cleaning supplies
  
• Pillows and blankets
  
• Chairs and cots
  
• Camera for documenting the hurricane damage
  
• Flashlights with batteries
  
• First-Aid supplies and manual
  
• Signal flare or whistle for calling help
  
• Electric generator
  
  

Be sure to keep extra smoke alarms and fire extinguishers among your emergency supplies, as well. They will be necessary if the storm sparks a blaze in or near your building.
Finally, post key emergency contact information near the supply area. List the phone numbers for the Small Business Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, your company's insurance agent and your local commercial restoration company.

2. Protect Key Documents
Next, make extra copies of hard-to-replace documents such as tax returns and legal contracts. Store all of this paperwork in waterproof containers.

3. Secure the Premises
Finally, secure as much of your property as possible. Use Velcro or straps to attach important equipment to the floor. Similarly, add anchors to any large pieces of furniture. Consider putting the most valuable items in higher locations or moving them off-site.
By purchasing supplies and protecting your key documents and property, you can limit hurricane damage to your commercial premises. This, in turn, should prevent the storm from closing your business.