How to Prepare Your Business for Storm Damage

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen any time of year, but here in New Jersey, September can be pretty wet. All that water can be devastating to a commercial building, causing damage that can take a significant amount of time and expense to repair. There are several steps you can take to prepare your business for rainy season and possible flooding, and these preventive measures will reduce the amount of flood damage your business sustains and the time it takes to bring your operations back to normal.

• MAINTAIN GUTTERS: Well-maintained gutter systems divert water to proper drainage areas. If your gutters are clogged with debris such as dirt and dead leaves, rainwater will overflow and saturate the ground around the foundations causing damage there while backed-up water can spill into wall structures. Keep in mind that dampness inside walls is the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can establish a colony in that type of situation within 24-48 hours.
• INSPECT STORM DRAINS: Storm drains need to be maintained properly, as well. These are in place to move excess water away from buildings and parking areas. Your local government is usually responsible for these, but keeping an eye on them around your property will enable you to be able to report a problem right away to the proper authorities in advance of flooding.
• HAVE A RESPONSE PLAN: Have a plan ready for your staff. In the event of flooding, make sure you have a system in place to communicate to everyone so that they know whether to attempt to travel to work or not. No one should brave driving through flood waters! Listening to weather updates is also important, and you’ll want to make sure you keep an emergency preparedness kit on site, as well, in the event that people can’t get home.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is standing ready to help if your business sustains storm damage. Call us with any concerns at 973-887-9100. We are also experienced in cleanups both large and small, in the event that you have suffered either water or fire damage. We are also mold remediation experts!