Maxons Restorations shares “5 Ways to Protect Your Business for Hurricane Season”:
June is the joyous start to summer but it is also the start of Hurricane Season. While it is expected to be relatively calm this year, we urge you to take the time to prepare your business and property before the storm even forms.
5 Ways to Protect Your Business for Hurricane Season
Here are five things you can do now to be prepared in case a destructive hurricane makes landfall in our area:
Avoid Complacency
This year, the experts are predicting a near-normal or below-normal hurricane season with anywhere from 8 to 13 named storms. However, below average numbers don’t mean a significant weather event won’t hit your area. That is why it is always better to have a plan in place rather than trying to play the odds.
Perform a Business Impact Analysis
The ability to plan for a smooth recovery from a hurricane requires a clear understanding of the potential impact to your business. A business impactanalysis (BIA) is a good first step toward implementing a comprehensive and effective recovery plan. It should involve every department in the organization and never assume that one department understands the critical processes of other departments.
Perform a Pre-loss Assessment
Many business owners are caught off guard by the high costs of repairs following a disaster. And making informed and good decisions can be very difficult when you’re scrambling as fast as possible to reopen doors. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional restoration company perform a pre-loss assessment. An assessment can help you determine replacement and repair estimates so you can ensure you have adequate insurance to protect your property and physical assets.
Create a Response Plan-and Practice
In any type of disaster, the top priority is protecting the health and livelihood of customers and employees with a response plan. Maxons suggests that an emergency preparation plan should include (at minimum) the following:
- Systems of communication for reaching customers/guests, employees and emergency services organizations.
- A clear evacuation plan for customers and employees.
- A rendezvous point for employees to meet and organize.
Every employee should be familiar with your emergency plan, so they know what to do when a disaster occurs. Regular training sessions should be held to ensure your plan remains intact and will be well orchestrated if the unexpected event happens.
Partner with Trustworthy Restoration Contractors-Before an Event
Employing an “ounce of prevention” by establishing a working relationship with a restoration contractor is key to a quick restoration after a disaster. Otherwise, you’ll waste valuable days or even weeks simply trying to line up help, when you could be getting your business back online. And if you end up with an inexperienced contractor, they may underbid or simply not have the resources to manage a large-scale commercial project. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a reputable provider:
- Safety: A company’s safety record can be a good indication of their competency and efficacy so it’s important to find a restoration company with a strong safety track record.
- Experience: A provider who has seen and responded to many types of disasters is likely better prepared for unexpected circumstances.
- References: The option to check references before you are desperate is important because it gives you time to consider whether the contractor is a good fit for your company.
Maxons Restorations receive photo and content credit. Permission for use was granted by Maxons to Emery & Webb, Inc.
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