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 busy helping impacted communities and addressing the storm damage, so it can be easier to get away with theft.
How to Secure Your Commercial Property Before a Disaster Strikes
Boarding up your commercial property before a disaster can prevent damage during the event as well as looting and trespassing after the event. This often involves placing cut plywood into window frames to prevent the glass from shattering due to flying debris and high winds. You can board up your windows yourself, or you can contact a trusted disaster preparedness and restoration company to handle it for you. It can also be beneficial to reinforce doors and locks throughout the property since these are often weaker points in a building’s defenses.
You can also turn to technology to help protect your property. Consider the following tools:
Security Systems: A code-based security monitoring system that will set off an alarm if a trespasser enters your property can deter criminals and contact emergency services should someone break into the building.
Cameras: Placing security cameras throughout the interior and around the exterior of your building can help you catch potential trespassers and contact emergency services in time.
Motion-Activated Floodlights: These lights can act as a strong deterrent for people trying to sneak into your commercial property at night.
How to Store Valuables & Documents Before a Disaster To Prevent Theft
Another essential aspect of preparing your property for a disaster is to secure the internal contents of your building. Here’s how to do that:
Inventory your valuables, electronics and files. Create clear documentation for each item, including serial numbers and approximate values. You should also back up all digital files.
Relocate these items to the upper floors of the building if you anticipate flooding or, better yet, move them to a secure storage location off the property.
Use water- and fire-proof safes for essential documents and valuables.
You’ll also want to keep any cash on the premises in a secure safe. If your building will be empty, it’s recommended that you take it with you or move it to an alternate location, like a bank.
Assess & Secure Your Commercial Property After a Disaster
Once it is safe to re-enter your property after the storm or disaster, it’s essential to assess the state of your building. Look for structural damage and potential access points that people could exploit to enter your property. If you notice any, contact your restoration partner immediately to get assistance and reduce vulnerabilities.
If the damage is extensive, the restoration company can install temporary fencing or barriers to further restrict access and keep your property secure while they work on reconstruction. You may also want to consider hiring professional security services for added protection.
Documenting and Reporting Any Theft or Damage
As you’re preparing the insurance claim for the damage to your property with the help of your restoration partner, it is important to include any items that were damaged or stolen in the aftermath as well.
Create a comprehensive list of missing items, and provide as much information about each as possible, including descriptions, values and serial numbers. You should also file a police report immediately with the same information. Do not forget this step, as it is crucial for getting compensation for your stolen property.
Once your entire insurance claim is ready for submission, your restoration partner can help ensure the rest of the claims process goes as smoothly as possible.
Implementing Long-Term Security Measures Post-Disaster
After a disaster has passed, take some time to consider additional security measures that you can install. For example, you can add reinforced doors or window bars to your property to make these entry points less vulnerable during the reconstruction process. You can also incorporate disaster-resistant designs and materials, like laminated hurricane glass in your windows to reduce the risk of breakage during a disaster.
In the chaotic aftermath of a disaster, protecting your commercial property from theft and looting is crucial. By taking preventive steps before disaster strikes and acting swiftly afterward, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target. Whether it’s securing your property with physical barriers, leveraging technology or partnering with a security company, being prepared is key to safeguarding your valuables and maintaining peace of mind. As you focus on recovery and rebuilding, don’t overlook the importance of security—protecting what’s yours is an essential part of the process.
If you need assistance with securing your property with physical barriers and restoring it after a disaster, our team is here to help. Contact Cotton GDS today for professional disaster restoration services and peace of mind during difficult times: 877.511.2962.