As the chill of winter begins to fade and we welcome spring, it's a good time to turn our attention to the condition of our roofs. While winter often brings cozy nights by the fire and picturesque snowfalls, it can also pose challenges for our homes' most vital protective layer. From heavy snow accumulation to the formation of stubborn ice dams, the winter months can leave their mark on our roofs if we're not careful.

In this blog, we'll take a look at the impact of winter weather on commercial roofs and what steps you can take to address any damage as we transition into spring. By understanding the common problems roofs face during winter and taking proactive measures, you can ensure your roof remains in good shape for the seasons ahead.

Common Winter Hazards for Your Commercial Roof

Expansion & Contraction

To understand the damage that changing temperatures can have on your commercial roof, we’ll have to take a trip through time back to your high school science...

Whether your roof was damaged in a storm or you’re looking to replace an older roof with one made of a more durable or eco-friendly material, it’s essential to do your due diligence and find the right commercial roofing contractor for your project. After all, a roof is a major investment for your business. But with a wide range of options to choose from and an urgency to get your roof in working order as soon as possible, it can be overwhelming trying to find a partner you can trust.

The team at Cotton Roofing understands the stress that can come from making this type of decision, so we’ve compiled our top four tips for choosing a commercial roofing contractor for your project.

1. Find a Contractor Who Specializes in Your Type of Roof

The first step in finding the right contractor to repair or replace your roof is looking for one that specializes in your roofing material and type. Here are a few questions to consider before searching for a contractor:

• Is your roof a flat roof...

Your commercial property’s HVAC system is kind of like your car’s engine: out of sight, out of mind. People only start to think about theirs when they notice a problem. For your car, you’ll typically figure out something’s wrong when the “check engine” light starts flashing, but your HVAC doesn’t have any direct method for alerting you to an issue. Instead, you need to be vigilant and keep an eye out for these warning signs:

1. Higher-Than-Normal Electric Bills

While your commercial property’s electricity bill can fluctuate month to month based on the temperature outside and other factors, if your electricity usage skyrockets suddenly, this can be a sign there’s a problem with your HVAC system. Track your monthly usage and bills to keep an eye on your HVAC system’s health.

And if you notice a sudden uptick in your electricity usage month over month, schedule a deep cleaning for your HVAC and air ducts to ensure they’re working as efficiently as possible.

2. Burning Smell in Your Commercial Property

If you or your...

As temperatures rise, the atmosphere becomes capable of holding more and more moisture, which essentially means that the hotter it is, the more humid it can become. And while humidity is mostly known for making people sweat, it can also have significant impacts on your commercial property.

If your building reaches a certain relative humidity—about 70%—your walls, flooring, ceiling and contents may begin to absorb some of the moisture, putting these materials at risk for mold. In fact, it only takes about 24 hours for a wet item to begin seeing microbial growth.

As a business, it’s essential to take the steps to prevent mold from growing within your property. If left unchecked, mold can cause significant structural damage, as well as physical symptoms for your employees and customers, such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

What Conditions Are Ideal for Mold Growth in a Building?

Mold thrives in dark, humid and warm environments. In general, if the relative humidity inside your commercial building is around 70%, you’re creating...

When a hurricane approaches, people often look for last-minute hacks to protect their property, but with anyone able to contribute their advice on the internet, the information you may find isn’t always accurate.

As a leading restoration company, the Cotton GDS team is here to dispel common rumors and help you find the truth to better prepare your business for a storm.

Myth: You Should Tape Your Windows Before a Hurricane.

Many claim that taping a window in an “X” pattern will reduce its risk of shattering during a storm. In reality, taping your windows can lead to larger shards of glass if your windows break, which are often more dangerous than smaller pieces. Instead, move as much of your belongings as you can away from windows and consider partnering with a disaster recovery firm, like Cotton GDS, for emergency board-up services before a hurricane.

Myth: Leaving Your Windows Open a Crack Will Prevent Damage.

In theory, the idea of leaving your...

The researchers at NOAA and the Climate Prediction Center recently shared their estimates for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season to be near-normal in activity, and here’s what they’re saying we should expect:

• 12-17 named storms

• 5-9 hurricanes

• 1-4 major hurricanes

These predictions are similar to the number of tropical storms and hurricanes that occurred in 2022, and they match up with the 30-year average pretty well. With all this in mind, it’s time to start preparing for the season, which begins June 1 and ends November 30.

Prepping for the 2023 Hurricane Season

Whether you’re preparing your home and family or your business for the upcoming season, it’s essential to make sure everything is ready to go long before a hurricane approaches your community.

First, start stocking up on necessary supplies, and pack go-bags with everything you might need. Check out our...

For many, the coming of spring signifies the beginning of most major construction projects for the year. As temperatures warm and new year plans are finalized, many use the new season as an opportunity to kick off their construction plans. While the advantages of spring commercial construction services are numerous, it's important to remember the new safety risks that come with the changing seasons.

With rising spring temperatures also comes unpredictable weather and potentially unsafe working conditions. From snow melt after the winter to frequent spring rains and other seasonal hazards, it's essential to be mindful of the best practices to keep your crews safe on the job. Consider the following essential safety tips for spring construction projects developed by Cotton Construction to help keep your job sites safe this season.

Monitor the weather forecast

As much as we may like to plan ahead, spring storms can often pop up unexpectedly or suddenly...

In general, storms and inclement weather tend to stick to specific schedules throughout the year. While there’s always the potential for outlying storms, people in the Southeast United States can often expect hurricanes in the summer and fall, freezes during the winter and severe thunderstorms in the spring.

The good news about these weather patterns is that you can prepare your commercial property to withstand the unique dangers of each type of storm before they happen. And as we enter spring, it’s essential for you to take steps to protect your roof from hail, rain and high winds.

What Are the Most Common Spring Storms?

In general, spring is known for its severe thunderstorms, which can produce hail, lightning...

Seeing a severe thunderstorm warning probably doesn’t elicit the same level of response as a flood advisory or hurricane watch. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Severe thunderstorms—and the subsequent weather that can result from them—are capable of causing significant damage to your commercial property.

How Can Severe Thunderstorms Cause Damage to a Commercial Building?

Flash Flooding

Slow-moving thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in a community, which can allow water to enter your commercial property. Standing water in a building requires immediate extraction, dehumidification and moisture mapping. Building owners and facility managers who put off these crucial steps may find themselves with mold, making their property unsafe...

As winter storms and extreme winter weather become more prevalent across the United States, commercial property owners and managers must plan ahead to mitigate potential damage from the cold temperatures. One of the most significant contributors to winter losses is water damage from frozen & burst pipes. When our pipes freeze and burst, not only does it cause costly damage to our property’s infrastructure but it can also slow down or stop production and day-to-day operational continuity, causing further losses.

However, with proper planning and vigilant monitoring, property owners and managers can reduce the risk associated with winter storm damage. Consider the following tips and techniques, from Cotton’s winter storm disaster recovery experts, when preparing your property for upcoming winter seasons or storms.

Causes and Risk Factors for Frozen Pipes

The first step to protecting your pipes from...

In its 25+ years of experience, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions has witnessed the tremendous impact commercial water damage has on a business. From misplacing residents and patients to turning away patrons, commercial properties faced with water damage can end up losing much more than just time. Additionally, this type of damage can be caused by a variety of unexpected reasons, including storm floods, ruptured water pipes, roof leaks, plumbing incidents, and fire suppression systems. Meaning that no matter how much you prepare for disaster, commercial water damage can lead to unplanned delays and costly repairs.

However, establishing a relationship with a commercial restoration company ahead of time can help you reduce business interruption following these types of incidents. Read a few of our commercial water damage case studies below to discover the impact it has on different industries and how Cotton GDS has helped others recover.

33 schools damaged by hurricane flood waters

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 hurricane...

Friends and Family,

There are no words to describe the heartbreak we’re all feeling after witnessing the extent of Hurricane Ian’s destruction. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the communities impacted, especially those along the West Coast of Florida, where wind speeds of up to 155 mph brought devastating storm surge and structural damage.

Days ahead of landfall, our organization deployed almost 2000 personnel and strategic assets around the state to ensure we were ready to help every community affected by the storm. We’re now a week into Hurricane Ian’s second landfall, and our teams in Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala and beyond have been working day and night to assess commercial property damages and rebuild the communities from the State of Florida to the Eastern Coast of the Carolinas and Georgia.

Governor DeSantis was right when he said it will take several years to fully rebuild the communities affected by this catastrophe, but know that the entire Cotton Team is here for you every step of the way....

We have now entered the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and, while the tropics have been still this summer, a disturbance can occur at any moment. As your trusted partner, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions encourages you to stay prepared and familiarize yourself with the different alerts you can experience during imminent weather.

Do you know when you need to start securing your facilities for impact; during a watch, warning or advisory? Continue reading to learn more about the different threats and when you should take action.

Additionally, if you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to prepare hurricane emergency kits for your business, your family, and your pets.

Flood Warning, Flood Watch and Flood Advisory

A Flood Warning is issued when water is already overflowing onto dry land or is very close to doing so. If your local news issues a flood warning, TAKE...

If you’ve seen the news lately, you know several threats are impacting communities worldwide. Heat Advisories, droughts, and wildfires have become significant concerns even in cities where heat advisories are unheard of. Due to the increase in temperatures, as your trusted partner, we wanted to bring awareness to the challenges businesses face during a drought and offer tips on how to best prepare.

Read below to learn how your business can navigate this challenging time safely and efficiently.

Preparation is Key

Like any other disaster that may impact your community, having a well-thought-out plan for droughts could save your business.

• Monitor the weather in your area for sudden heat waves and conservation alerts.

• Create and/or review your business continuity plan that details how your company will operate with limited resources and the steps it will take to minimize interruptions.

• Consider how these threats may impact the supply chain and raw materials or production costs. Then, seek alternatives or...

While you prepare your business for potential disasters, ensure your home and loved ones are also ready for the unexpected; this includes your pets. During Pet Preparedness Month, Cotton reminds you to keep enough supplies on hand and plan how you’ll keep your pets safe before, during and after a catastrophe. To help you with this process, we’ve listed a few of Ready.gov’s must-have supplies and considerations for you and your family.

MAKE A PLAN

• Create an evacuation plan for your pet. Before disaster hits, ensure there’s enough room for them in the car and select a shelter or hotel that allows pets. Making these plans ahead of imminent danger could save you a lot of time during a disaster.

• Develop a buddy system. In the event that you are unavailable or unable to evacuate your pet during a disaster, know which neighbors, friends or relatives will evacuate your pet safely. Ensure they know they’ve been designated as your pet’s buddy and know how to access...

Flooding can happen anywhere, and to anyone. It is critical that businesses are prepared for natural disasters with flood insurance and tools that mitigate total loss in emergency situations. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding occurs in over 90 percent of all natural disasters, averaging 17 billion dollars of damage each year.

There are a few simple preparatory steps that have the potential of saving your business from complete closure and financial loss if flooding ever occurs in your area.

Analyze flood maps

One of the simplest ways you can proactively prepare your business for flooding is by analyzing flood maps of your business area. FEMA is the most reliable resource for this information, providing flood maps that are updated regularly. When researching your elevation and calculating risk of flooding, the 100-year flood plain will give insight into the highest potential level of water...

When your business property is damaged by a fire, the smoke and soot created can be devastating and the impact is often overwhelming. If your property’s sprinkler system was deployed, or if firefighters used water to put the fire out, there is also the potential for water damage to your building’s structure and contents. This includes the entirety of your facility, any paperwork or files, machinery, and technology. Creating a recovery plan after fire damage is critical to getting your business back to normal operations with minimal downtime.

Restore your property from smoke and soot damage

The physical damage that occurs after a fire can range from minor damage to total loss. No matter how large the fire, it is a traumatic situation to find yourself in.

There is often no way of predicting the extent of the damage until a property restoration company can assess your property. After a fire, do not re-enter your business; there is always the potential of structural damage and re-entering poses...

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, with a slightly above-average number of storms, to have caused over $115 billion in damage in the United States. Damages from Hurricane Ian alone, which made landfall in Southwest Florida as a powerful Category 5 storm in September, account for over $110 billion making it the third-costliest tropical cyclone on record.

Hurricanes are causing more damage and rapidly becoming more costly every year. Considering the wind and water damage that hurricanes can cause, taking some basic steps to prepare in advance can help companies minimize the property damage and business disruptions these events can create.

Take protective measures across your commercial property

There are many proactive steps you can take before hurricane season to reduce the potential for property damage. Have storm shutters or plywood on hand to protect doors and windows. Remove tree branches, loose debris,...

Molds are a type of fungus that can grow almost anywhere that provides them with moisture, oxygen, and an organic food source. They reproduce using tiny spores that typically can’t be seen without magnification and circulate through the air, whether outside or indoors.

Mold grows especially well in warm and damp conditions; the high humidity of restaurant kitchens makes them particularly susceptible to infestation. With increased public awareness of the possible health implications of mold exposure, restaurants must be extra vigilant to check for and eliminate any mold that may be found in their buildings.

What the effects of mold are if not removed properly

Not only can mold growth create odors in buildings, it has the potential to cause health problems. As reported by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, mold exposure can trigger health effects. For some people, mold spores can cause a reaction similar to hay fever, such as...

Saying commercial property owners should worry about water damage is an understatement. Floods, in particular, are among the most common and costly natural disasters in the world. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States accrued $148 billion in damages to residential and commercial properties across 20 climate and weather disasters in 2021.

Even more frightening is what these statistics don’t include, such as non-disaster, water-related events like burst pipes or non-flooding-related heavy rain.

For commercial property owners, there are additional risks beyond water damage alone. Water damage puts a business on hold, causing further loss of revenue, and any untreated or lingering damage like mold can become a hazard for employees, guests, and residents. That’s why it’s imperative that water damage be addressed as swiftly and safely as possible. In the event water or flood damage happens to you, Cotton recommends taking several prudent steps to ensure minimum business disruption.

...

Just like washing dishes or doing the laundry, having to pick a water damage restoration company can feel like an undesirable chore. But as a business or commercial property owner, it’s imperative having a trusted professional at your side in the case of sudden water damage from natural disasters, inclement weather, or compromised plumbing.

When water is involved, there’s no time to waste. Attempting to fix water damage on your own can actually compound the problem; the more time passes, the threat of mold growth, health hazards, and compromised documents and other materials increases. Only having the most advanced equipment and certified expertise can get your business or property back in working condition.

To help you sort through an overwhelming and sometimes confusing amount of options, here are eight suggestions to help you choose the company that’s best for your needs.

1. Choose companies with credible local references

You wouldn’t hire a babysitter with no experience to watch...

Soon after St. Patrick’s Day, some of our service areas were impacted by the spring’s unpredictable weather changes. Some businesses saw several inches of rain, others experienced severe tornado damage that halted operations, and others are still being impacted by snow. No matter the damage, it’s not because of luck that many of our FirstAlert! members are already on the road to total recovery - it’s because of our 24-hour site monitoring and priority response.

The benefit of 24-hour site monitoring

Regardless of where your commercial properties are located, chances are they’re exposed to natural threats that could delay production or keep your business from meeting demand. In that case, it helps to have a restoration partner that is always ahead of the storm. Members of Cotton’s FirstAlert! Program benefit from our Business Intelligence Center monitoring their facilities and weather events 24/7. This means that we can help them prepare for potential damages before the storm arrives and...

Last year, the 2020–21 North American winter brought over $200 billion in damage across the United States and resulted in the tragic loss of life of almost 300 people, and experts predict many of these trends will continue. With this year’s winter season already well underway, it is essential for everyone from property owners to risk managers and facility directors to stay prepared for any of the threats that the winter weather may hold.

With over 25 years of winter storm recovery experience, our team understands the importance of remaining constantly vigilant throughout the colder months and we know you do too. To aid you in finishing this winter safe & secure, Cotton’s team of winter disaster recovery experts have prepared this helpful checklist to ensure your commercial property is ready to face any winter event:

...

As weather changes, so do the risks that affect any commercial property. The combination of powerful cold, wind and moisture create threats for a business that are wholly different from those it faces throughout the rest of the year. This risk is compounded for those businesses that operate in warmer climates because they are even less prepared for winter weather than their neighbors to the north.

If you're a business owner or facility manager, it is important that you begin your winter preparations early so that you are not caught off guard by a winter storm. For your benefit, our winter preparedness specialists have crafted this outline of important steps to take in order to safeguard your business from a winter storm. Whether your region is accustomed to frigid winters or you’re on the warmer gulf coast, these tips will keep you prepared for any kind of winter threat.

Analyze your risk

Before diving into the specific threats associated with winter weather, it’s important to first determine the liability your facility is potentially exposed...

To Our Family in Louisiana,

I can confirm that after 25 years in the business, this never gets easier. My thoughts and prayers are with the communities affected by Hurricane Ida.

As it made landfall on Katrina’s 16th anniversary, Ida’s wind speeds of 150 mph and dangerous storm surge destroyed thousands of homes, commercial buildings, and essential infrastructures, such as electricity towers and sewage systems. To this day, thousands of residents are still without power and are struggling to get the resources they need.

Due to the amount of water and wind damage, it has been and will continue to be an around-the-clock effort to get our communities back up and running. As your trusted partner and neighbor, I assure you that Cotton will not rest until our businesses, schools, hospitals, government facilities, and other essential institutions are restored.

The Cotton Team has boots on the ground and has been responding to calls throughout the region, working diligently to bring the community back online. In addition to our recovery services, support for the...

In 2022 alone, hurricanes and tropical storms caused a combined $110 billion in damage in the United States. One of the largest contributors to that figure is the damage done to just commercial roofing. Your roof is not only one of the most valuable components of your commercial property, but it’s also one of the most damage-prone during a tropical event.

When considering your emergency plan for hurricane season this year, it is vital that you include a review of your commercial roof. While your best option is always to call a licensed commercial roof specialist like Cotton GDS, our roofing experts have crafted this guide on best practices for getting your roof ready to face a major storm.

BEFORE THE STORM

The most important step in safeguarding your roof from any threat is to have a consistent, preventative maintenance plan in place that follows sound inspection protocols. This alone can be the difference between having a strong roof that perseveres through a major storm versus a roof that’s fallen into disrepair and...

With forecasters anticipating another highly active hurricane season in 2023, now is the time to prepare for any kind of extreme weather event, long before a storm is even identified. Preparing for the unexpected may feel daunting, but it makes all the difference when you find yourself confronted by a storm at your door with little notice.

Get prepared this hurricane season by reviewing this helpful resource of essential supplies and storage tips when preparing your hurricane emergency supply kit. While everyone’s needs are different, this should provide an essential starting point when building the kit that serves you best.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

• Water - at least one gallon per person, per day for at least 3-5 days
• Food - at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable items
• Battery-powered radio
• First aid kit
• Life-supporting medication
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone chargers and back-up power supply
• Whistle - or other noise making device to signal for...

Get your commercial facilities ready for the Atlantic hurricane season by taking a look at the FEMA flood map. The maps are updated every five years, so it’s a good idea to check them frequently and ensure your zone remains the same. Knowing what flood zone your company is located in can save your business time and money in the recovery process. It will also confirm whether or not you need to update certain items, such as your insurance policy or emergency plan.

1. Insurance coverage: Is flood insurance a part of your policy? Most policies don’t automatically include flood damages so be sure to review your policy to confirm which damages, and how much, will be covered. For those who’ve just recently been updated to a high-risk flood zone, now is a great time to add flood insurance to your policy. Speak to your broker today and be prepared.

2. Emergency plan: Businesses in flood zones, whether high or moderate risk, need to have a clear plan of how they’ll prevent potential damages leading up to the storm, and how they’ll...

Last month, AccuWeather estimated that the February winter storm left 4.3 million without power and amassed an economic loss that may rise to roughly $130 Billion. With no power to most commercial buildings, many businesses were forced to close for the subsequent days. Below freezing temperatures caused water pipes to freeze over and for some to burst. Roads, highways, and overpasses were covered in ice, which made it nearly impossible for essential deliveries and customers to reach businesses.

While all this was taking place, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions was able to provide businesses with one of our winter disaster response services. Our trained professionals were able to provide emergency backup power for a diverse set of commercial buildings, made roofing repairs to...

Texas, you are in our thoughts and prayers. There’s no doubt that this past week was long and arduous for us all. Some of us lost essential resources, and many suffered serious damages to their homes and properties. Even if you didn’t experience any of the above, chances are you still lost some sleep worrying about your loved ones. We understand how tired you are because we lived it too, but we want to remind you that Cotton is always here to help. Our teams have been working day and night to support our local businesses so that our communities can return to normalcy. I can’t stress enough just how grateful we are to our clients, partners, and most importantly, our families for making last week a little easier.

To our clients: You had a lot on your plate, from managing communications with your employees to monitoring your buildings during the storm and then escalating property damages to us. We know it was tough, but we appreciate your kindness as our teams navigated the icy roads and power outages. Most importantly, we’re grateful that you’ve entrusted us with your...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and everyone is sure to be looking for great gifts for their significant other (hopefully not at the last minute, but we won’t judge). In that same spirit, we wanted to share a special gift that business owners and leaders can get for themselves, or more specifically their business. We’re talking, of course, about a FirstAlert! membership.

Designed by Cotton Global Disaster Solutions as a way to help clients with a Master Service Agreement (MSA) get the most out of our partnership, the FirstAlert! Program is the perfect way for businesses to benefit from Cotton GDS’s personalized services. Members receive year-round support and training that helps teams and facilities be ready in case of a disaster. Here are just some of the perks included in a FirstAlert! membership.

24/7 Site Monitoring

Cotton’s Business Intelligence Center (BIC) uses state-of-the-art technology that allows us to monitor anything that could potentially harm your property, from daily activities, weather, to catastrophic events. If...

During these winter months, you may notice your employees pull out the personal heaters for their workspace. In other cases, you may need to raise the room temperature due to the cold weather. Whichever situation you may fall in, be sure to know space heaters and other heating equipment can cause a fire during the winter.

If you fall into a situation where there’s a fire in your building, you should have your air ducts inspected and cleaned because they could be contaminated with smoke, which can lead to poor air quality and respiratory problems. Clean air ducts and a well-maintained HVAC system are essential for your business’s daily operations. If your property has suffered any fire damage, it’s time to get your HVAC system checked by professionals.

In other cases of a fire disaster, a section of your business may have been seriously damaged, which can halt your business. It’s important to ensure your customers, personal, and tenants are safe and away from the damage. Our experts will assess the damages and offer you temporary solutions to continue your business...

HOUSTON, January 12, 2021 – Cotton Holdings Inc. (“Cotton”), a leading infrastructure support services company in the fast-growing commercial restoration market, today announced the acquisition of Stellar Restoration Services (“Stellar”), a provider of comprehensive roofing restoration services for hail and weather-related damage to commercial properties. Stellar will retain its name and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cotton under the continued leadership of co-Founders Michael de la Mora and Rick Bailey, who will retain an ownership interest in the business. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Stellar is part of Cotton’s expansion strategy to meet the growing demand for commercial restoration services in North America and globally. Headquartered in Houston with an international logistics center and a number of regional offices, Cotton provides property restoration and recovery, construction, roofing, consulting, temporary workforce housing and culinary services to public and private...

The start of a new fiscal year can inspire business owners to improve their facilities, services, and products. If capital improvements and renovations are a part of your 2021 plan, then Cotton Global Disaster Solutions has the solutions and experience you need to give your facilities a facelift without extended periods of downtime.

Cotton GDS has over 24 years of experience providing top-quality construction services for CapEx projects, which we leverage for our clients in order to enhance and improve the value of a client’s commercial property. Even something as simple as a new coat of paint is improved exponentially when done by an expert hand, although our experience goes far beyond that.

It can be easy to think that these renovation projects are simple jobs that you, as a business owner, can handle yourself, however, Cotton GDS offers key advantages that are critical to our success as a commercial contractor.

For...

Across the country, many are already feeling the chill. Of course, the winter season and its effects mean different things for different people. Many businesses find themselves dealing with specific emergencies when the cold weather starts rolling in. In fact, according to The Hartford, 15% of all small business property and liability claims come from freezing damage and winter-specific water damage alone. The best way to enjoy the season without dealing with winter damage is by keeping the following in mind.

Minimizing Roof Damage Due to Ice or Snow Accumulation

There’s nothing quite like a fresh snowfall to bring out the magic of the season. However, snow, alongside ice, can spell danger for a business. If a snowstorm brings a large amount of snowfall to the area, or if rain accumulates and freezes in large amounts, your business’s roof could be in trouble. The added weight can result in costly and potentially dangerous roof damage. As a...

According to a study done by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2019 there were 120,000 non-residential fires in the United States, causing $4.3 billion in direct property damage. Though the top causes vary by industry, based on NFPA reports, the majority of fires in commercial properties are caused by cooking equipment, electrical distribution/lighting equipment, heating equipment, and arson.

• Call in The Fire Restoration Experts
• Educating your staff and tenants on fire prevention is a smart move for any business, but education can’t guarantee that a fire will never occur. Should your commercial property experience a fire, there are two people you should call – your insurance adjuster and a professional restoration company. With over twenty years of experience in commercial...

In 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) made their predictions for the Atlantic hurricane season to be "above-normal" with potentially 14-21 named storms. With this intense season just getting started, businesses should remain alert and refresh their emergency plans as needed.

To help you through the rest of the season, our team has put together the Cotton Hurricane Resource Hub with tips on pre-loss planning and how to recover your business after a storm. We’ve also included information about our services and case studies that showcase Cotton Global Disaster Solutions’ full suite of capabilities.

Each section of the Hurricane Resource Hub was designed to help business leaders and property managers with three very important preparedness topics - Make A Plan, Prepare for Disasters, and Have A Trusted Partner.

• Make A Plan
• Design an emergency plan that every employee can easily follow. Where will they go if they’re on the...

4,000 Meals and Water Cases Distributed to Families in Lake Charles

In the weeks since Hurricane Laura’s destruction, Cotton GDS, Cotton Logistics, and Cotton Culinary have been working diligently to provide water damage mitigation, roof repairs, reconstruction, temporary facilities, and thousands of meals to businesses affected by the storm. In addition to helping our clients, Cotton wanted to give back to the community we’re a part of.

On Thursday, September 10, members of the Cotton leadership team and volunteers from Cotton’s Community Response team loaded our box trucks and set up a drive-by distribution station in Lake Charles. Over the course of several hours, we distributed 4,000 meal packs and water cases to community residents.

None of this would have been possible without the generous help of our partners: Sysco,...

To our friends, families, and neighbors affected by Hurricane Laura, the hearts of the entire Cotton Team are with you.

This week, we saw how quickly and drastically a hurricane can impact an entire city. As we returned to our office in Lake Charles and visited communities in the path of the storm, we saw buildings destroyed and homes torn apart. It’s not easy to see because these aren’t just buildings or physical homes; they represent our community. They’re where we dedicate our talents to provide for our families and house our most cherished memories of each generation. Each building has a story to tell, and it’s our story.

As part of this community, Cotton is heartbroken to see the destruction. We’ll be doing everything we can to bring normalcy to Lake Charles, Orange, Beaumont, and the rest of the communities impacted by Hurricane Laura. The road to recovery is long, but we are confident in its success because the community is resilient and optimistic.

The Cotton Team is currently in the field, assessing damages with clients and providing temporary...

Article provided by Lance J. Ewing, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Risk Management for Cotton Global Disaster Solutions. He is former president of the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and is a frequent keynote speaker on Crisis Management.

President John F. Kennedy once stated, “When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.” The year 2020 certainly has qualified as a year of both. COVID- 19, economic and job impacts, protests, riots and unrest would all qualify as danger or challenges for this year. On the other hand, the opportunities have been to work from home or anywhere, increased use and innovation of technology, Federal, state and local reassessments and improvements on handling a pandemic, an increase in medical supplies and equipment and, most importantly, a full review by businesses of their crisis management plan. The timeworn saying is that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Clearly, 2020 demonstrates that planning is the key to success for...

Cotton Roofing has been honored with one of the most prestigious awards in the commercial roofing industry. Excellence in Single-Ply (ESP) was established in 1998 as a means to recognize Carlisle SynTec Systems’ most loyal and dedicated authorized applicators. When partnering with recipients of this exclusive award, clients can rest assured they’ve trusted their business to the very best in the industry.

Awarded annually, only the most accomplished applicators achieve ESP status. Qualification is determined by sales volume, product mix, high-performance assemblies, and quality of workmanship.

The entire Cotton Team is proud of our roofing technicians and leadership for their continuous achievements and dedication to our clients. To learn more about Cotton Roofing’s capabilities, visit CottonRoofing.com.

During a hurricane or tropical storm, high winds and excessive rainfall can destroy commercial properties and the important assets within them. Knowing what to do once the storm has passed will help businesses recover faster so they can get back to serving their community.

If your property has just gone through a hurricane, tropical storm, or another catastrophic event, follow the guide below to start the recovery process.

1. Hire a Disaster Recovery Company

The first thing your business should do following a severe storm is to engage a full-service disaster recovery firm to assess the damage, develop a scope of work, liaise with insurers, and carry out necessary services.

Professional disaster recovery firms have the experience and technology needed to properly perform water restoration services, such as water extraction,...

Getting a business or organization back up and running after a high-impact weather event or catastrophe can be challenging, stressful, and costly. However, proactive measures and a strong recovery plan can minimize some of those threats and help a business return to normalcy more efficiently.

The following checklist is designed to help business leaders formulate a plan that protects their people, organization, and assets before a hurricane or tropical storm arrives.

WHAT TO DO NOW

• Set up a system that helps you locate and communicate with employees, clients, and partners during a hurricane or other disaster.

• Know your inventory of assets, where they’re located, and how to protect them from water, wind, gas shortages, and power outages

• Plan ahead by consulting with a disaster recovery company regarding business continuance and recovery of property.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE LANDFALL

• Continuously monitor weather reports...

By now, many businesses have reopened and are navigating the unknown with caution. New safety protocols have been put in place and day-to-day operations have shifted to meet the needs of the business, as well as those of the consumers.

We understand that your primary goals are maintaining a safe space and avoiding further business interruption, which is why Cotton Global Disaster Solutions remains at your side. Our team is ready to help you with cautionary measures and required disinfection as needed.

To better understand the different procedures - cautionary and required - and what to expect, download our whitepaper below and share it with your team.

You’ve heard meteorologists refer to a hurricane as Category 3, but what does that actually mean? Discover the difference between each hurricane category, according to the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, and how it can affect your business.

The Cotton Team is grateful for the first responders who continuously work to protect our communities, despite the risks. In Puerto Rico, our team showed their appreciation by providing complimentary vehicle disinfection for the police officers and municipal employees of Toa Baja, Guayanilla, Loiza, and Guaynabo.

Since opening our office in Guaynabo in 2018, the community has embraced our team and trusts us to restore their businesses. Being able to give back to those who have graciously welcomed us was both an honor and a privilege. As we look to the future, we hope to expand our community outreach efforts and restoration services to better serve business leaders and their communities in Puerto Rico.

To all of the first responders, thank you for your courageous and selfless acts. The Cotton Team appreciates and admires you. Visit cottonpr.com to meet our team in Puerto Rico, or call 939-286-6190 to speak to a local representative.

Review your emergency plan and prepare your company for the 2023 hurricane season.

June 1 marks the official start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and the experts at AccuWeather predict that it will be similar to 2022, with 11-15 named storms. Of these named storms, 4-8 will be hurricanes, and 1-3 of those hurricanes will be major (Category 3, 4 or 5). They also forecast that 2-4 of these storms will directly impact the U.S.

Whether your business is located along the coast or hundreds of miles inland, you should prepare your property and employees for potential tropical threats. With 27 years in the commercial restoration industry, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions has witnessed the importance of having a plan for every stage - before, during, and after the storm. Knowing how to react could help save lives and reduce business...

American communities are getting ready to reopen for business, but before doing so, extra precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of your guests, tenants, and employees.

Before setting a return date, assign a cross-functional team to develop a re-entry plan that keeps your employees and building safe. This team, which should consist of representatives from your HR, Legal, Risk Management, Operations, and Safety teams, must reference and follow the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your business’s local and state governments.

In addition to the requirements defined by the CDC and elected officials, your team can use this helpful 3-phase guide to plan your business’s reopening:

PHASE 1 – Prepare your physical workplace

Clean & Disinfect. Hire a professional team, like Cotton Global Disaster Solutions, to properly clean and disinfect...

When it comes to weather, the spring season could be very nice or it could be rather alarming. That’s because, during this time of the year, the world is transitioning from cold weather to warm temperatures, or the opposite if you’re in the southern hemisphere.

When cold and warm air masses collide, they often create storms and unfavorable weather conditions. Depending on what part of the country you live in, you could get flooding, tornadoes, ice, excessive heat, or high winds, all of which could damage your property. As your trusted partner in remediation and restoration, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions is here to help you prepare your commercial property for the unexpected and will be here, after the storm, to restore your business.

To better prepare for unexpected weather conditions, it’s important to know the difference between a storm warning, a watch, and an advisory. Knowing the difference will help everyone take the proper steps to protect themselves and their property.

Flood Warning vs. Flood Watch

A flood warning is issued when...

Since 2004, hotel chains and resorts, both in the U.S. and internationally, have relied on Cotton Global Disaster Solutions’ expertise and services to get them back in business in the shortest possible time.

From North America to the Caribbean, Cotton GDS has been instrumental in the recovery of some of the world’s most significant disasters.

Electrostatic spraying is a method widely used in commercial cleaning due to its ability to efficiently disinfect every surface. The process involves applying an electric charge to a liquid, such as a cleaner or disinfectant, which is then dispersed into many positively charged particles seeking a negative surface to connect with.

This technique states that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Since opposite charges attract, the positively charged liquid particles don’t want to stick together. As they are sprayed out of the nozzle, the particles become repelled by each other and will only stick to negatively charged surfaces. This allows for a full, even coat of liquid on the surface.

The biggest benefit to electrostatic spraying is that because the particles only stick to bare surfaces, or those not already coated by the disinfectant, getting an even coat is possible, even on hard-to-reach surfaces and crevices.

Another great advantage of using electrostatic spraying for disinfectants is that it eliminates the need to wipe the surfaces. With...

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions would like to thank every healthcare professional for their hard work and selfless attitude during these trying times. Your ability to care for others and bring them hope and a smile, even on the longest of shifts, is admirable and truly appreciated.

These past few weeks have reminded us all how valuable and courageous healthcare workers really are. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation’s doctors, nurses, and medical staff have worked relentlessly to care for their patients and keep our communities safe.

Cotton GDS is committed to supporting our healthcare heroes on the frontlines as we come together to end this global pandemic. To show our gratitude, Cotton GDS, in partnership with Cotton Foundation, mobilized Cotton Culinary to deliver fresh lunches to 1,500 healthcare workers in Austin, TX. Other Austin-based companies also participated in our initiative, donating thousands of pre-packaged snacks and beverages.

Over the course of three days,...

While every region of the world continues to navigate the implications of COVID-19, Cotton GDS is here and ready to help your business remain a safe place for employees, tenants, and all of your guests.

With over 20 years of helping businesses clean and disinfect their properties following biological and environmental incidents, Cotton GDS has the experience and resources necessary to perform the proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Whether you’re needing the service for prevention or following a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 case, Cotton GDS can help.

Cotton GDS offers the following services for the cleaning and decontamination of your commercial property:

CLEAN & SANITIZE SURFACES

• Wipe Down of Horizontal Surfaces

• Sanitization of Vertical Surfaces

• CDC-Approved Cleaning Agents

BROAD SANITIZING SOLUTIONS APPLICATION

• Electrostatic Disinfectant Spray

• Micro Mist Sanitization

• Dry Fog...

It’s been three weeks since the devastating tornado woke Nashville residents from their sleep, destroying homes, businesses, schools, and more. The damages were extensive but we have been amazed by Tennessee’s resilient spirit during these trying times.

Cotton crews have boots on the ground, helping Tennessee business owners navigate the situation with their insurance provider and rebuilding their properties to their pre-event state. Our goal is to bring normalcy to not only the business owners but also the communities they serve.

The road to recovery is long but all Cotton companies are working around the clock to get the vibrant city of Nashville and surrounding areas back to their pre-event state as soon as possible.

Thank you to our crews and their families for doing all they can to help our friends in Tennessee.

Owning and managing a business takes a lot of heart so when challenges arise, place your business in good hands with a partner you trust. Cotton Global Disaster Solutions can help you with everything from disaster recovery to everyday maintenance repairs and everything in between. We will respect your time, your money, and your vision because, like you, we care about your business.

In choosing Cotton, you’re choosing:

• Certified restoration crews available 24/7, 365 days a year.

• Trusted partners in restoration and disaster recovery among various industries.

• Adherence to OSHA standards, plus local, state, and federal regulations.

• State-of-the-art equipment and innovative thinking.

Our services include:

• Disaster Restoration

• Construction

• Logistical Support

• Environmental Response

• International Services...

2022 came with its fair share of hail, rain, and wind, which could’ve damaged your roof. Whether the damage was minor or severe, the Cotton Roofing experts would be happy to assess your facility’s roof and ensure it’s ready for the unexpected.

We don’t know what weather events 2023 will bring, but having your building’s roof in good health could prevent extensive damage to your overall facility and business operations.

Cotton Roofing is a full-service commercial roofing contractor with the skills to quickly assess a client’s roofing needs and implement repairs or install a new roof as required. Our teams are certified and approved in the application of a variety of commercial roofing systems, including modified bitumen, silicone and acrylic coatings, metal, TPO commercial roofing, and more

We’ve got you covered. Call us today to schedule a...

We’re shifting gears from tropical storms to winter hazards and we’d like to help you prepare. Extreme winter weather can have a negative impact on utilities and other services, sometimes leaving communities without power for hours. Should this happen in your area, will you be ready?

The Department of Homeland Security breaks winter preparation into three categories: Prepare Now, Survive During, and Recognize and Respond.

Preparing now means checking on colleagues, family and neighbors to make sure they have everything they need, such as medications, generators, and food to last them a few days. It also means checking carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly and leaving the faucets on to avoid frozen pipes. Encourage employees to create an emergency kit to keep in their cars since storms can happen quickly and unexpectedly.

If a winter...

There is no such thing as being “too safe” when it comes to cybersecurity. The more precautions you take, the better chance you have at protecting your information and the information of those you interact with. We’ve outlined the different types of cyberthreats to help you quickly identify them and avoid falling for their traps.

Social Engineering is the process of deceiving and manipulating people into performing actions or giving away confidential information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. The most common form of social engineering is phishing. Phishing attacks usually come in the form of a fraudulent email that asks users to click a link and enter their personal information. The email will look like it’s coming from a trusted source but will usually contain typos or unusual URLs.

APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) are those in which an unauthorized user infiltrates a network undetected and stays in the network for a long period of time. The purpose of these threats is not to damage the network but to steal information...

As families and businesses begin to recover from the destruction of Hurricane Dorian and Tropical Depression Imelda, please know that Cotton Global Disaster solutions have all who were in the path of the storms in our thoughts and prayers. Cotton Global Disaster Solutions is on the ground in the Bahamas and Southeast Texas providing critical services to help restore communities, reduce business interruption and assist those helping with relief efforts. After seeing the storm’s devastation first-hand, we know how hard the struggle will be to rebuild, but we want to extend a message of hope and assurances that you are not alone.

Cotton’s 24/7 Emergency Watch Center closely monitored the two storms and tracked their development in real-time. Our priority was to keep clients alert of their safety and begin the implementation of their business continuity plans. Prior to landfall, Cotton deployed its disaster response, logistical support, emergency food services, and management teams to the regions.

With hurricane season still in full swing, we encourage...

When construction is required as a result of a disaster, repair, renovation or other issues, call Cotton Global Disaster Solutions. We are a full-service general contractor specializing in property loss, providing a seamless transition from mitigation and recovery operations to repairing and rebuilding.

COTTON’S VALUE TO YOU

• One company: When many decisions are being made under difficult conditions, working with a single company will help reduce your stress.
• Head-start: Cotton’s involvement in the clean-up phase of a project means our construction specialists are aware of your reconstruction and build-out requirements, reducing delays.
• Innovation: Thorough knowledge of your project allows our specialists to identify innovative solutions that will make the construction phase more efficient and cost-effective.

From clean-up and demolition to construction, remodeling, plumbing,...

Business Recovery Edition

Speed is key to restoring vital services following natural and man-made disasters. The Cotton team understands the pains of business interruption, which is why Cotton Global Disaster Solutions offers 24/7 emergency restoration services. Cotton has developed streamlined processes that are instrumental in recovery efforts due to large losses and major events.

Cotton provides continuity of operations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. With state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, Cotton has resources in place to ensure a successful return to your daily operations.

Contact Cotton GDS if your organization is in need of the following services:

• Water Extraction

• Building Stabilization

• Drying Equipment

• Demolition

• HVAC Cleaning

• Flood Pumpers

• Structure...

June 1 marks the official start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and the experts at AccuWeather predict that it will be similar to 2022, with 11-15 named storms. Of these named storms, 4-8 will be hurricanes, and 1-3 of those hurricanes will be major (Category 3, 4 or 5). They also forecast that 2-4 of these storms will directly impact the U.S. As the season approaches, it’s time to prepare.

It's Time To Take Action for Storm Preparedness

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions urges you to take steps to protect your employees and safeguard your business from these potential events. It only takes one storm to change the course of your life and your company’s fate. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, but emergency planning and preparedness for natural disasters is the key to a quick response and recovery when...

Historic flooding threatened to inundate homes and businesses in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas in late May. Upon seeing that the city had set up a sandbag distribution point at Oral Roberts University, Cotton Team members jumped into action.

Cotton employees from Houston who were in the region to assist with restoration work picked up shovels and assisted the city, filling sandbags for residents who needed them. The heavy rains and flooding reminded them of the devastation and subsequent help after Hurricane Harvey.

"The same way we received help from Oklahomans during Harvey, we wanted to come and help,” explained Josh Rios, Cotton supervisor.

Read more at TulsaWorld.com.

May is National Building Safety Month, an annual awareness campaign presented by the International Code Council. This year’s theme is “No Code. No Confidence.” The campaign, now in its 39th year, reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

Cotton can bring buildings into code compliance and improve their safety before damage and losses can occur. If your building hasn’t been inspected recently for code violations, call Cotton today to request a walkthrough. In addition to code compliance, we can discuss and update your business continuity plan in the event of a disaster or emergency. With our experts’ help, you will have complete confidence in the safety of your business.

With hurricane season...

The start of Hurricane season is weeks away, but severe weather doesn’t stick to a calendar. When spring comes, so does damaging winds, an increased threat of tornadoes and flooding rains. Be prepared for another year of severe weather with these tips:

• Communicate with your employees: You should already have an emergency plan, but do all of your employees know it? Do they know how to prepare and where to go? Communicate your emergency plan every year at the start of severe weather season.
• Refresh your emergency kit: For those who may have to ride out a period without power, make sure you have supplies that work. Check food expiration dates, refresh bottled water supplies, replenish anything that has been used.
• Have emergency phone numbers in writing: The aftermath of destructive weather can be chaotic. Post emergency phone numbers in a place where your employees can access them: utilities, insurance companies, company leadership and other important stakeholders.
• ...

An excerpt from Cotton’s EVP of Risk Management Lance Ewing’s column from Best’s Review

Alan King, the comedian and actor, once quipped, “the other day my house caught on fire. My lawyer said, 'Shouldn't be a problem. What kind of coverage do you have?' I said fire and theft. The lawyer frowned. 'Uh oh, wrong kind of insurance. Should be fire OR theft.'” Or so the story goes.

Insurance policies are truly claims policies. Insurers pay their premium with the anticipation that the claim will be paid when the loss occurs to their business or property. Yet many times, that is not the case.

When there is a claim dispute, many corporate risk managers and homeowners jump from receiving the denial of the claim to “Let's sue the insurance carrier.” A better philosophy for a denied property claim would be: Negotiate, mediate, arbitrate and only then litigate. Litigation against an insurance carrier should be the arrow of last resort in the quiver. Litigation puts the outcome of the dispute in the hands of a third party and removes the decision-making from the two...

You already know that Cotton will be there for you in an emergency, but did you know that Cotton will also be there for you when you’re ready to spruce up your business? If you’re looking at aging decor or spaces that no longer work for your growing company, we also shine at construction projects and quality interior renovations.

Benefits of choosing Cotton:

• A single point-of-contact for your entire project
• Assurance that your building can remain occupied and functional while construction is ongoing
• Off-hours construction for completion of loud or disruptive projects
• Flexibility to add projects as work progresses
• Professional, safety-focused workforce

Services we provide:

• Build-outs
• Retrofits
• Remodeling
• Finish work
• Maintenance
• Energy efficiency upgrades

You know that we are experienced in being an agile company, so you can rely on us to get your project done efficiently, correctly and on-time. Contact Cotton today to start building the future of your...

Two years in a row of destructive hurricanes have proven that having a business continuity plan is vital for the health and success of any organization. Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, anywhere in the world, and any iota of preparation can save lives and minimize disruption of your operations.

Cotton can help you refresh your business continuity plan with our first-hand knowledge of current and future risks. Our experts have helped businesses through many scenarios; here are just a few that your business should consider:

• How long can your business survive an operational interruption?
• When was your corporate emergency plan developed?
• Does your business have an alternate operations center if your primary workplace becomes inaccessible?
• What would happen if you lost temporary access to your company’s financial assets?
• Are all hazardous chemicals contained in compliance with current health, safety and environmental standards?

There is much more that Cotton can think through with you as you start the new year with...

Safety is not just a requirement at Cotton, it’s a core principle. Our team encourages safe work practices at all times, on every job site. This holiday season, we encourage our clients and employees to stay safe at home, too. Here are some tips and reminders to help all of us keep safety top-of-mind:

• According to the National Fire Prevention Association, faulty electrical equipment is the cause of 40 percent of Christmas tree fires. Make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets on your Christmas lights. And be careful not to overload your electrical circuits.
• Fireplaces are cozy, but they need to be used carefully. Get your fireplace cleaned and inspected for improper venting every year.
• Some decorative holiday plants can be poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children or pets. This includes poinsettia, mistletoe berries, holly berry, and Jerusalem cherry.
• The National Fire Protection Association reports that 12 percent of home candle fires occur in December. Don't burn candles near trees,...

As winter approaches, it's time to prepare your business for cold weather and storms. In addition to checking windows for leaks and ensuring your heating system is functioning properly, you should give some thought to your roof.

Roofing professionals advise businesses to get their roofs inspected not just once, but twice per year - ideally in the spring and fall. By doing so, you protect your company’s assets, ensure the comfort of your workers, and prolong the life of your roof.

Here are few other measures you can take as a business owner or facility manager to prepare your roof for winter and ensure year-round protection:

• Gather all of your roofing documents into a file to easily access to all of your roof’s information. This will help you keep up with routine maintenance, repair history, warranty information and all of the details of your roof. Don’t let your roof’s information retire along with your facility manager!

• In addition to regular inspections, it’s a good idea to have one performed after severe weather...

October 22, 2018

The Cotton Team cannot express enough how deeply sorry we are for any losses and we recognize how hard the struggle will be to rebuild from Hurricane Michael. Many have lost their loved ones, homes, belongings, schools, businesses and their livelihood. After seeing the storm’s devastation first-hand, we know how hard the struggle will be to rebuild, but we want to extend a heartfelt message of hope.

Cotton is in the region and has mobilized a Command Center in Panama City Beach. We have supplied public and private sectors with temporary facilities, backup power generation, catering, and emergency food services, as well as other logistical support. Furthermore, we are providing the necessary support to our clients in the region by restoring, remediating and reconstructing roofs and structures quickly.

I speak for the entire Cotton Team when I say that we deeply care about the people and communities we serve, and we pride ourselves in these moments to help them piece back their lives. You have lost more than we can imagine, and we want you to know...

National Fire Prevention Week is an annual awareness campaign to educate Americans about fire prevention. This year’s campaign focuses on three steps to take in order to reduce the risk of fire:

LOOK for places fires could start: Take a comprehensive look around your business. Identify potential fire hazards, particularly your heating system and any kitchen facilities, and make sure you have adequate fire extinguishing equipment. Furthermore, pay close attention to appliances that have heating elements and make sure their piping and connections are new and maintained.

LISTEN for the sound of a smoke alarm: You could have only seconds to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds, so don’t waste any time. Your life is more important than the email you’re finishing or the phone you can’t find. Nothing related to work is more important than your safety. In preparation for fires, make sure that all employees are aware of the seriousness of this alert, and have fire drills once per quarter.

LEARN two ways out of every room: Make...

It has been one year since Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the lives of those living on the Gulf Coast, including the greater Houston area. While the region has shown its strength and resiliency, many are still in the process of healing, recovering and rebuilding following the devastation.

Education is a sector that was hit hard. Many school districts in the region were devastated by the storm, closing their doors and relocating for a period of time while also focusing on educating their students.

One such client was Bloomington ISD in Victoria County, Texas. Located just 40 miles from the coast, the district’s schools sustained massive damages resulting from the storm and had to undergo a large-scale remediation operation. Cotton was grateful to have the opportunity to help the school district through this tough time. What made the project the most rewarding was the response and gratitude we received from our client.

Misty Brasfield, CFO of Bloomington ISD, had some high praise for our Cotton men and women:

“These guys at Cotton have helped me get all...

As Hurricane Florence’s destruction is far from over, please know that Cotton Global Disaster solutions have all who are in the path of the storm in our thoughts and prayers. While the full impact of the storm is uncertain, we hope all remain safe and can quickly recover. Cotton Global Disaster Solutions is on the ground in the Carolinas and providing critical services to help the region recover, reduce business interruption and assist clients with their business continuity plans.

The storm has been on the company’s radar for weeks through its 24/7 Emergency Watch Center, closely tracking its development and landfall while keeping clients alert of their safety and business continuity planning and implementation. While most were evacuating, Cotton deployed its full bandwidth of turnkey services - Disaster Recovery, Construction, Roofing, Logistics and Culinary along with strike and management teams to the region.

Florence made landfall on September 14th as a Category 1 Hurricane near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds reaching nearly 90...

When surfing the net, did you ever stop to think that someone may be staring back at you? As technology advances, more and more of our lives are intertwined with the internet through online shopping, banking, email communication, social media, and more. Being proactive provides the greatest protection against online threats.

Cotton wants to help you protect your privacy by providing a few online safety tips:

● Recognize that you are an attractive target to hackers.

● Practice good password management: 8 Character passwords are no longer sufficient. It’s best to use a long nonsensical mix of characters, numbers and symbols.

● Use a unique password for each of your accounts.

● Never share your passwords. Never write it down. Use a password manager such as LastPass or Dashlane.

● Never leave your device unattended for any length of time – computer, phone, or tablet. Lock it up so no one can use it while you are gone. This includes USB flash drives...

The heat this summer is inescapable, affecting almost every region of the United States. Whether you are walking to your car or performing a strenuous task at the job site, your body is always working to maintain a balance and sustain its core temperature. As the heat index rises above 103°F in some regions, there is a high risk of heat-related illness; therefore, additional measures to protect your body must be taken. Heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard especially for those who are working outdoors during summer months. Follow these hydration safety tips to ensure your health and well-being during these scorching months:

Don’t wait until you are thirsty

If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Instead, drink small amounts frequently at regular intervals: 8 ounces every 30-45 mins.

Carry a Drink Bottle

You are more inclined to drink when fluids are readily available. Aim to refill a 27 ounce drinking bottle at least once every hour.

Pre-hydrate

Drink plenty of fluids in the hours...

Soaking in the sun can mean being out by the pool, beach vacations, cookouts, and other outdoor activities. However, when having fun in the sun, it should also be second nature to take steps to protect yourself from UV radiation. Whether you’ve got a vacation coming up or you're just spending time outside, Cotton's Safety Team has some tips that could help protect you from UV damage.

• Cover up. Shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays by wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and breathable pants. All fabrics block UV rays to some degree, but for the most effective protection invest in outdoor clothing that carries an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. The UPF rating measures how well different fabrics block UV rays. The most effective UPF rating is from 15 to more than 50.
• Plan around the sun. It’s imperative to limit direct sun exposure during peak sun times (10 AM to 4 PM). Plan your outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day when the sun is lower in the sky. If you’re going to be outside during this time,...

Before our Cotton Global Disaster Solutions teams initiate the response and recovery phases following a disaster, much activity happens behind the scenes in Cotton’s 24/7 Watch Department. Information and speed are key to efficiency in our line of work, and the Cotton Watch team is dedicated to being at the forefront when a disaster strikes. This department is a critical component of our overall disaster mitigation and recovery process and the attention to detail taken in their preparedness efforts are paramount to completing successful projects for our clients.

In disaster scenarios, the environment and conditions can change instantly. Because of this, up-to-the minute information is extremely valuable in planning and preparing your business and employees for disaster. Cotton Watch analyzes risk factors and criteria that have the potential to affect your facilities all around the globe. Through severe weather tracking, social media monitoring, geo plotting our clients’ complete property portfolio and utilizing proprietary techniques,...

2017 saw unprecedented hurricane activity in the Western Hemisphere, wreaking havoc in the Southern Pacific, Caribbean, Gulf, and Atlantic. As Edmund Burke stated “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” In order to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions recommends taking a look back at our 2017 Hurricane Season In Review. The infographic not only gives an extensive breakdown of last year's storm activity, and devastation, but also highlights Cotton's turnkey solutions and our multi-divisional response to the seasons quadruple punch.

Of course, the best planning doesn’t always safeguard us from the full wrath of Mother Nature, but proper measures can be taken to mitigate costs for your business. The devastation from these storms was catastrophic, causing billions of dollars in capital losses, operational expenses, infrastructure, and sadly, human life. In August, Hurricane Harvey affected more than 6 million people across Texas...

Learn more about four Spring weather hazards to be prepared for

Spring arrives with generally warmer temperatures and lush greenery, however, the season can also bring severe weather. As temperatures can swing back and forth, with sunny days being followed by stormy nights, Cotton wants you to be aware of the dangers that may occur in this coming season. Take these steps to stay safe if severe conditions are predicted for your area that may affect your business.

THUNDERSTORMS Thunderstorms can cause the most severe weather bringing tornadoes, flooding, hail, and especially lightning. According to American Red Cross, lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Take thunderstorm watches and warnings seriously, as people may be harmed by either ignoring them or missing the signals.

• Identify trees that have weak branches that may be struck by lightning and cause damage to people, vehicles, or...

Give your business the ultimate gift and join Cotton's Preferred Client Program

February is a month where we show our love and affection to those who are special in our lives. Valentine's day is upon us and many have spent the last couple of weeks thinking of creative ways to show how much they care. At Cotton, we think the same care, affection, and attention to detail that you put into planning your Valentine’s day should also be shown towards your business!

As with any great surprise, gift, or celebration, preparation is key. Prepare your business the same way by being prepared for possible disasters resulting in loss of work, capital, or your entire business altogether. Give your business the ultimate gift and become one of Cotton's “sweethearts” by pre-aligning your business continuity plan with Cotton's specialized recovery...

Put a business continuity plan in place in 2018

After deadly hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms, 2017 was a year of unparalleled natural disasters while also being the most costly year on record for weather-related disasters in the United States. As 2017 has come to a close, and businesses analyze and reflect on the the past year, a good opportunity exists to implement new processes based on lessons learned. Cotton invites all of our clients and prospective clients to not only continue to prepare for unforeseen events, but also enlist Cotton’s turn-key solutions in order to achieve cost-savings following a potential disaster event.

The total economic impact of hurricanes in 2017 is estimated to be $370 billion in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean. Not all these losses could have been prevented, but their magnitude could be much smaller. As an example, the economic loss is not only how much a commercial building was damaged, or how much it will cost to repair the structure, but...

Despite facing major obstacles while being in a remote location, Cotton responds to the island of St. John.

While Cotton was responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in our hometown of Houston, and other areas of Texas, two category 5 hurricanes hit the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John, in the Caribbean. Cotton quickly mobilized assets and personnel to respond to our clients in the affected area. Cotton is very proud to be involved in this project, and other ongoing efforts in Puerto Rico. The scale of the project combined with its geographic location has presented logistical challenges; however, Cotton has not compromised on our quality of work, and has learned considerably from this project.

SCOPE

Our client in the hospitality industry, tasked us to mitigate damage and restore 28 buildings, 33 pools, and the grounds of the 47 acre property and beachfront,...

A South Texas University expresses gratitude after Cotton gets them back to class after incurring damages from Harvey

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Cotton was heavily relied upon to help our clients in the Gulf Coast region recover. In the weeks since the cleanup and repairs, some have taken the time to personally thank us for a job well done through personal letters and emails. We know that it is our job to respond quickly and perform to the best of our ability, but hearing the support and appreciation from those who have had the Cotton service experience is always humbling.

As the season of giving thanks draws near, it is with pride that we share a quote from a University client in South Texas whose campus received an extensive amount of wind and water damage from Hurricane Harvey:

“With the storm approaching, I knew exactly who to call to put on standby. It was Cotton.”

After being put on notice pre-storm,...

Precision and preparation are what set Cotton apart in emergency management

Getting a business or organization back online after a hurricane or other high-impact catastrophic event can be challenging, stressful, and costly. Consequently, after a disaster strikes, our clients receive expert attention to protect assets and determine a critical path of disaster recovery that will minimize their interruption to daily operations and their associated revenue loss.

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions is actively responding to the destruction from Hurricanes Harvey, Lidia, Irma, Nate, and Maria in areas across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. At the peak of operations, we were managing a workforce of nearly 3,000 people, all committed to providing our clients with comprehensive and speedy services to get them back to business.

Whether we are restoring a small storefront, a functioning hospital, or a multi-level commercial office tower, our clients will see Cotton GDS’s...

September 12, 2017

As we continue to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, it is with a heavy heart I write this memo. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Cotton Team are with all those affected by this storm.

The storm and its resulting damage has had a tremendous impact on Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast Region, and the cleanup effort in the affected areas will be formidable. The Cotton Team is already hard at work confronting this challenge.

The Texas gulf is our home. It is where Cotton began and where our home office and largest presence remains. Every day we see the impact of this storm on our neighbors, friends and family. We also appreciate the trust that you have placed with us over the years. Let me assure you, the Cotton Team is focused on responding to our clients’ needs in the fastest, most efficient way possible.

Cotton is working with our clients to assess their property damage, mitigate any further damage, and provide clean up assistance in accordance with environmental protocols. Cotton is also preparing to provide construction...

Cotton GDS recovery teams are actively working in locations across the U.S., Mexico, and The Caribbean

The 2017 Hurricane Season has been very dynamic, with its intense storms and wide reaching activity across the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Harvey left its devastating mark on the Texas Gulf Coast with three separate landfalls, while Lidia made landfall and caused significant impact to Mexico's Baja Peninsula in addition to flooding in the country's interior. The most recent hurricane, Irma, was equally damaging in the North Atlantic slamming multiple island nations as a Category 5 storm before moving onto Florida, bringing heavy destruction.

All of these storms have damaged the communities, people, and businesses for years to come. Cotton is proud to be a part of the recovery efforts in all of these areas with our turnkey solutions, and real time monitoring, tracking and response systems. Spanning the globe, our international services include:

• Flood & Water Damage Restoration
• Catastrophe Management
• Debris...

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions Website Gets A Facelift

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions has a new and improved website! To better serve our clients, the website features enhanced design with user friendly navigation, resources, and a wealth of information about services related to Cotton’s Disaster Restoration and Construction divisions. Our visitors will gain a better understanding of Cotton’s capabilities by:

• Reading up on all the services Cotton GDS provides -from disaster restoration to roofing, construction, and even catering
• Using our interactive map to learn about our vast coverage and strategically placed operations centers that allow us to respond to clients in a timely manner
• Reviewing the many industries Cotton GDS services, and how we specialize in your specific line of work
• Preparing your business and you in our “What To Do”...

Hurricane Matthew, a tropical cyclone that struck The Atlantic with full force in late September of 2016, brought widespread destruction and catastrophic loss of life. As this was a complex, multifaceted operation, it was necessary to utilize as many of Cotton’s capabilities as possible. Cotton International deployed our assets and team to the Bahamas soon after Matthew had passed to begin restoration support for our client. Over a course of three weeks, Cotton Culinary’s Emergency Food Service division provided approximately 20,000 meals for our client as well as to displaced families and local shelters. Cotton’s efforts effectively minimized the loss for our client and allowed them to return to normal business operations. It is a great honor to be called upon to deliver in times of crisis, and we believe that our turnkey, integrated solutions set us apart in the industry, while setting our clients up for success!

June marks the beginning of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season in the United States, a time when business owners who are geographically located in hurricane prone areas may suffer from “Hurricane Amnesia.” This phenomenon occurs when one is unprepared for the potential threat ahead due to previously inactive seasons that had no effect on their business. If a hurricane were to strike your city, can you ensure your business will survive? Follow these 5 ways to prepare your business for Hurricane Season:

1. Ensure your business’ roof can withstand the storm. Have the roof of your building evaluated to ensure it is structurally sound and best suited to endure heavy rains, hail and high winds that are characteristic of hurricanes.

2. 
Anchor large furniture and protect valuable equipment. Mount bookcases, filing cabinets and appliances to walls and floors to avoid further damage to your assets. Secure electronics such as computers and other office equipment with straps or velcro and cover with plastic....

On Thursday June 22nd, Tropical Storm Cindy made landfall in the Northern Gulf Coast between Cameron, Louisiana and Port Arthur, Texas. According to the National Hurricane Center, Cindy had a real chance of doing serious damage to the Gulf Region. Thankfully however, these predictions didn’t come to fruition, and the storm resulted in only heavy rain and winds. Though Cindy didn’t cause major devastation, Cotton used the potential threat as a response training opportunity. Prior to Cindy’s landfall, Cotton exercised it's CAT deployment procedures by standing up an internal command, notifying on call staff and vendors, staging equipment, mobilizing first response staff, and staying in constant contact with clients who had exposure along the coast. “In these situations, we have many clients counting on us and it is our duty to be ready to respond and service their needs when the call comes in,” said James Scaife, President.

Cotton achieves success through strategic planning and execution on every project and event. While every successful job can be treated as practice while...