How Your Company Can Survive a Hurricane

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

What important documents should you have for an emergency?

How To Mitigate Hurricane Damage To Your Building

Hurricane damage does not just affect your house. Your business could be harmed by this type of storm, as well.
If you are not properly prepared, your Bixby, OK, company might close for good. In fact, 40 percent of small businesses that shut down due to a hurricane never reopen. To keep your company on the right side of this statistic, you should follow the below steps.

1. Store Emergency Items
Designate one part of your building as the emergency equipment area. The location should include everything you and your employees will need once the storm hits. Be sure to have three-day supplies of food and water for all of your workers. You should also store batteries, flashlights, and a small radio or television.
Your emergency supplies should additionally include a tool kit and First Aid equipment. Keep cots, pillows, and blankets on hand, as well, in case you or your employees have to take shelter in the building.
Finally, post the contact information for the nearest police station and hospital. This way, your workers will be able to get emergency help if they need it. Employees should also know the phone number for your local hurricane damage restoration company.

2. Protect the Property
High winds from a hurricane may cause nearby trees to fall. You should thus make sure any branches close to the property are trimmed ahead of the storm. You may also want to secure any electronics or large furniture with straps or braces. Consider installing plywood or shutters onto the windows, as well.

3. Secure Documents
While most of your business is probably conducted online, you likely still have important paperwork in your office, including tax documents and legal contracts. These items should be sealed in waterproof containers and stored in an off-site location.
The above tips should help you mitigate the hurricane damage to your building. If you prepare ahead of time, you can increase your company's odds of surviving the impending storm.