The summer storm season is upon us, and as a property owner or manager, you need to take the right steps to guarantee the safety of your commercial property. By investing in emergency preparedness early, you can minimize the need for costly repairs. Implementing the correct strategies will enable you to significantly minimize damage, protect your business, and facilitate the safety of everyone on your property.
Continue reading for more information on the steps you can take before, during, and after a storm to protect your property from severe weather events.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Summer Storm Preparedness
The following is a detailed guide on measures you can take to protect your property from a summer storm:
Before a Storm
Know Your Risks
Taking the time to evaluate the different kinds of threats your property could potentially face in the event of storms can help you develop an action plan that minimizes its vulnerabilities. Conduct a risk assessment, taking into consideration the location of your building. Is your property in an area that’s prone to flooding? If you own property in different locations, will they be affected in the same way?
Hold Regular Training
Storm preparedness starts and ends with high-level training. Ensure everyone in the building is updated on the steps to take in case of an emergency. Your training should include:
- Reviewing property shutdown guidelines
- Accessing emergency supplies, such as generators, pumps, extension cords, and more
- Knowing where to assemble in case of an emergency
- Inspecting elevators to make sure they are in good condition
Create an Emergency Checklist
As a property manager or owner, it’s important to have an emergency checklist to make sure everything is running at peak performance. Carrying out routine maintenance before a storm will help you identify potential problems in time and do the necessary repairs. Such a level of preparedness will save you a lot of money in damages in case of severe weather.
During a Storm
Communicate With Occupants
When a summer storm strikes, efficient communication can make a world of difference. During emergencies, cell towers can get jammed with numerous phone calls, meaning important calls may not go through. Always opt for text messages to reach as many occupants as possible.
Follow Your Emergency Checklist
Following an emergency checklist can save you a lot of time during a storm. It contains things needed in case occupants need to leave in a hurry or in the event of a blackout.
Receive Storm Updates
Real-time storm updates can save lives and property. Making sure everyone receives immediate updates during a summer storm can help them take the necessary precautions before it’s too late.
After a Storm
Remove Debris
A storm’s aftermath can leave your building in disarray. From broken branches to debris, cleaning up after a severe weather event can feel like an impossible task. Always prioritize safety when doing cleanup. Also, consult with your local waste management company to learn how to dispose of storm debris.
Restore Power
Following a severe weather event such as a summer storm, you can have power and electricity restored anytime from immediately to several days after the storm, depending on the following factors:
- The current weather condition
- Special areas that require repairs
- Any damage to the electric system
Create a Personalized Storm Checklist With Strategic Grounds
If you are a property manager or owner, summer storm preparedness can be an efficient way to give you peace of mind when it’s summer storm season. Making sure that you are fully prepared for whatever nature may throw your way will give you confidence that, should the unexpected happen, your property can bounce back quickly.
At Strategic Grounds Management, we can take care of your building maintenance checklist for you, providing professional services that help you before and after a storm. Contact us today to learn how we can help you ensure your buildings are stormproof.
