Essential Post-Hurricane Safety Tips for Business Owners

ESSENTIAL POST-HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

After a hurricane, navigating the devastation left behind can be as dangerous as weathering the storm itself. Downed power lines, flooded streets and widespread debris can cover communities. Despite the widespread destruction, commercial property owners are likely eager to return to their facilities and assess their facility’s damage.

However, reentering a storm-stricken region without proper safety is only a recipe for further disaster. To safely return to your commercial property or business following a tropical storm event, consider these key post-hurricane safety tips before making the trip.

For rapid restoration navigating the aftermath of a hurricane for your commercial property, trust Cotton Global Disaster Solutions (Cotton GDS) for turnkey solutions that get you back to business.

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Tip 1: Wait for Official Clearance to Return

A hurricane’s intense impacts can leave communities ravaged. Prioritize you and your team’s safety; wait to reenter your region until authorities have given the official clearance to return. Local leaders will assess the infrastructure, stability and safety of the region, determining reentry plans. In the meantime, emergency responders and other response teams may help clear hazards in the area to help prepare the region for an orderly opening.

Tip 2: Don’t Drive Through Flooded Areas

Even after authorities give clearance to reenter a community, be cautious of flooded roads. While in your car, follow the age-old adage of “turn around, don’t drown.” Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as your car could get stuck and leave you in a deadly situation. If rains remain in the area, navigate roads slowly to help lessen your risk of an accident from hydoplaning.

Tip 3: Don’t Enter a Structurally Damaged Property

After safely making it to your property, inspect the outside of your building before entering. Do not enter facility that appears structurally damaged. The structure could collapse or the storm-damaged materials could fail. Demolition or general construction may be needed to restore your building before you can resume operations there.

Be aware of hidden damage as well. Unseen water intrusion, for example, could weaken your structure over time. A full-service restoration company can help complete a thorough assessment of your property to fully verify the structural integrity. To help prevent looting at your damaged property, temporary board-up services can help add security to your building while procuring a more permanent solution.

Tip 4: Don’t Enter Standing Water in Your Property

Inside your building, do not wade into flooded rooms, especially if any wires are contacting the water. Exposed live wires in water could lead to dangerous electric shocks. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals or sewage, could also contaminate the water, and other dangers like sharp objects could be hidden beneath murky floodwaters.

Water extraction, removal and dehumidification can help restore flooded areas of your property. Act quickly to remove water to help prevent spreading damage and mold growth.

Tip 5: Assume Downed Wires Are Live

Treat all exposed wires as if they have active electrical currents running through them. Never assume the wires are safe to touch without protection. As previously mentioned, be especially cautious with exposed wires near water sources.

Damaged wires can also spark and cause fires within your property or cause equipment to malfunction. Failure to practice safety near downed wires and power lines can result in deadly electrical shock.

Tip 6: Document All Damage with Photo and Video

To support commercial insurance documentation, photograph and record all of the damage to your property. Extensive documentation can help support your claim and show the extent of the destruction. The photos can help insurance verify the damage and any unique features of your property’s destruction.

To help you navigate both the insurance claims process and restoration, a turnkey disaster recovery company like Cotton GDS can help reduce bottlenecks and seamlessly coordinate with your insurance while providing end-to-end restoration and reconstruction.

Tip 7: Use Flashlights, Not Candles

If the power is out at your property, it may be tempting to light candles to see throughout the building. Be aware that candles can pose a significant fire risk and unattended flames can lead to a spreading fire. Instead, opt for battery-operated flashlights to reduce the potential for a destructive commercial property fire.

Tip 8: Shut Off Utilities

Prior to the storm, you and your team should identify the location of utility shut-off valves. After the storm, you may need to turn off the water if a burst pipe is flooding your property. Electricity may also need to be shut off for safety to prevent electrical short circuits or if the building is flooded as well. Preparing like an expert before a disaster by locating your shut-off valves can help you reduce continuing threats to safety and damage to your property after the hurricane has passed.

Tip 9: Secure Your Site

Secure your property after the storm to reduce risks of continuing damage. Boarding up your windows and doors after the storm can help keep out remaining rain and wind that may follow the hurricane. The added protection can further keep out wild animals that may be displaced from the destructive event. Emergency board-up from a turnkey restoration provider like Cotton GDS can also allow for a seamless transition to the reconstruction phase of recovery.

Temporary roof tarping can further help secure your property. If your roof was damaged by falling debris, a temporary covering can prevent rain from pouring in and further increasing your water damage.

Tip 10: Call Cotton for Turnkey Hurricane Restoration

For rapid 24/7 response, experienced teams and critical post-hurricane recovery, trust an expert total disaster management company for comprehensive services. Cotton GDS can deliver fully integrated, all-in-one solutions, including water damage restoration, reconstruction, roofing and more.

Prioritize Safety in Your Recovery

For an effective and efficient post-storm recovery, prioritize safety. If your property is damaged in a hurricane, a trusted restoration partner can mean the difference between a long road to recovery and an efficient, seamless recovery process.

Cotton GDS specializes in a rapid, scalable respond with services customized to fit your commercial property’s needs. Cotton’s safety in disaster zones and ability to deliver effective solutions mean you can get you back to business rapidly following hurricanes, floods, fires and day-to-day loss events.

Recovery rapidly with Cotton’s reliable response. Call us at 877-511-2962 or contact us online for comprehensive hurricane recovery solutions.