Storm Damage Prevention: Tips From SERVPRO Experts

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm damage crews are dispatched to assess multiple, affected homes after storms roll through in Orlando.

Being told that you have a major storm coming your way is hard enough, but now you have to figure out the best way to try and keep both your residential or commercial building from any sort of damage or loss. Our team has a saying, “you can never plan for a storm, but you can plan to be ready for it.” Let’s say that there is going to be a storm tomorrow. Are you prepared for whatever may happen? If your answer is no, then it is better that you don’t wait until you hear that the hurricane or thunderstorm of the century is coming, because by then it may be too late. Here are some things to make sure you check off of your checklist for your home:

• Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
• Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding
• Relocate any valuable or fragile possessions
• Secure all utilities including water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damage
• Invest in and install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows and doors from wind-born debris
• Have the roof of your building or home evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm
• Turn off propane tanks
• Ensure a water supply for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Preparing your business is a little different, but these tips can help:

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
• Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
• Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible. Can you run your business from a different location or from your home? Can you develop a relationship with other local businesses to use their facilities if a disaster makes your location unusable?

We know that storms and the damage that comes with them are inevitable at times. You can rest assured that SERVPRO of Apopka/Wekiva will be available to assist you with your home or business in the event of any size disaster.