Fires can devastate businesses, and it seems this disaster is only increasing in frequency and cost. Data from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that nonresidential building fires increased by 27% from 2013 to 2022. During that same time, dollar loss also jumped by 23% (adjusted for inflation). The year 2022 alone saw $3,741,200,000 in loss from nonresidential building fires.

Commercial property fires can impact workers, ravage structures and halt business operations. Given the increasing commonness of this type of crisis, it can greatly help your business to learn the top causes of commercial property fires and take steps to prevent these disasters today.

Cooking-Related

The leading cause of nonresidential building fires in 2022 was cooking-related, accounting for an estimated 27.6% of the overall fires that year (U.S. Fire Administration). Many factors can lead to cooking fires including grease buildup on equipment,...

Commercial flood restoration is an essential investment after a disaster. Flooding from hurricanes and severe storms can devastate commercial properties, resulting in structural damage, ruined inventory and prolonged business interruption. This all adds up to significant financial losses. By incorporating flood damage prevention strategies into business planning, you can reduce the risks of financial losses and lengthy interruptions.

3 Steps for Flood Damage Prevention

A well-defined flood emergency plan protects your assets and employees before, during and after the disaster. It should encompass everything from evacuation and shelter routes to communication protocols, commercial flood restoration and equipment management practices. A typical plan for damage prevention includes three steps.

1. Pre-Storm Preparation

Proactive preparation during hurricane season and thunderstorms reduces the...

Disasters are unpredictable, but they do not have to catch your business unprepared. Commercial disaster response planning helps business owners mitigate risks and recover after an emergency. With over 25 years in the industry, Cotton GDS has a reputation for providing safe, custom disaster response and restoration solutions for facilities within the hospitality, medical, education, multifamily, government, industrial and energy power plant industries.

How To Begin Commercial Disaster Response Planning

The first step to emergency preparedness for businesses is to analyze risk. Companies can face various risks, including natural disasters, technology-related hazards and human-made disasters. Examples of hazards may...

Commercial fire damage restoration services are critical in the aftermath of a fire. Still, the financial and emotional toll these disasters have on businesses and employees emphasizes the importance of fire safety and prevention. With crucial fire safety tips, you can reduce the risks of injuries and lost revenue while preparing for the possibility of a disaster.

3 Aspects of Commercial Fire Safety

A well-implemented fire safety plan goes beyond meeting regulations. It protects your business from financial losses, operational disruptions and potential harm to staff and clients. A thorough safety plan focuses on three areas.

1. Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is the cornerstone of a fire safety program, and it involves property assessments, safe electrical practices and excellent housekeeping. Every business owner should schedule regular walkthroughs to ensure that practical fire prevention is an everyday practice.

Look for the improper storage of flammable...

To our friends, families and neighbors affected by Helene,

Last week, Hurricane Helene brought widespread devastation to the Southeastern U.S., leaving behind a trail of loss and destruction in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and beyond. High winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall and severe flooding took precious lives and ravaged our cities and businesses. We know the destruction left behind is dire and the road to recovery ahead may be long. But we also know this isn’t the end, and the Cotton Companies are here for you and our communities.

We stand by you and all those impacted by Helene’s damages. Our teams are already on the ground in affected areas, working tirelessly to provide the support and restoration services you need. With a commitment to restoring normalcy swiftly and safely, Cotton is here to help rebuild what was lost. After nearly 30 years in this...

In today's unpredictable world, businesses face a variety of risks that can threaten their operations, assets and financial stability. Whether it's a fire, thunderstorm or tornado, disasters can strike without warning, leaving businesses vulnerable to significant losses. This is where commercial insurance plays a critical role.

Commercial insurance is designed to protect businesses from these unforeseen events, providing the financial support needed to recover and continue operations. For companies of all sizes, having the right insurance coverage in place is not just a safety net—it's a lifeline that ensures business continuity in the face of adversity.

In this guide, we'll explore the different types of commercial insurance and how disaster restoration services work hand-in-hand with insurance providers to get businesses back to business. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, understanding your insurance options is key to safeguarding your investment and securing peace of mind.

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In the aftermath of a disaster, property owners face more than just structural damage and recovery challenges. One often overlooked risk is the threat of theft and looting. When chaos strikes and communities are vulnerable, opportunistic criminals may take advantage of the situation, leaving businesses exposed to further losses. Protecting your property from these dangers requires a proactive approach before, during and after the event. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to safeguard your property from theft and looting when disaster strikes, helping you focus on what matters most: recovering and rebuilding.

Why the Risk of Theft and Looting Increases After a Disaster

Looting after disasters and storms tends to be a crime of opportunity. Businesses and abandoned buildings are common targets, as they are often understaffed or completely empty, and it is likely that they have expensive merchandise or technology on site. Criminals are also more likely to loot after a disaster because law enforcement and other first responders are...

Wildfires have become an increasingly common and devastating force of nature, wreaking havoc on communities, landscapes and properties. With their frequency and intensity on the rise, it is crucial for commercial property owners to take proactive measures to safeguard their businesses.

Preparing your property for wildfire threats not only helps protect your investments but also ensures the safety of your team. In this blog, we will explore essential strategies and steps you can take to prepare your property for wildfire safety, providing peace of mind and resilience in the face of potential disaster.

Understanding Wildfire Risks

Wildfires can either be natural or man-made (whether accidental or intentional), but according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, about 90% of wildfires are a result of human actions. Some common...

To our friends, families and clients in the Caribbean, Gulf Coast and across Texas,

The Cotton Companies are devastated by the damage left by this storm and the lasting impacts it will have on our communities. With our headquarters located in Houston, we’re seeing these severe impacts develop in real-time all around us, but we won’t stand passively by.

Before Beryl made landfall, Cotton team members from around the U.S. traveled to the area to assist our Gulf Coast and Caribbean offices with preparations for the storm, and we’ll continue to stay for as long as we’re needed. We are all working in tandem to provide efficient relief to our neighbors across the region. We’re inspired by the resilience these communities are demonstrating, and we’re determined to work by your side as we restore these cities and towns to their pre-storm states.

In our journey to accomplish this mission, all of the...

As you navigate the beginning of hurricane season, it’s important to consider your preparedness efforts. The more effort you put into weather-proofing your commercial property now, the more likely your facility is to weather the storm and get back to business sooner.

However, preparing can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start, so our hurricane restoration experts have developed a quiz to help you see where you should focus your efforts.