Next Steps for Your Business After Hurricane Damage

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

You can't avoid storms, but you can be prepared for them.

Living through a natural disaster is a difficult, life-altering experience. Most people who sustain damage to their business or commercial property are left to deal with the financial and physical aftermath, and it’s never pleasant. In this instance, the damage has been dealt by a hurricane-- and as always, SERVPRO has a thorough plan of action for you to take in just such a precarious situation. 

Let’s take just a moment to stress the matter of SAFETY. Even when the rain and flood water recede, there are other threats that loom close. Gas leaks, electrical hazards, and water contaminants aren’t always the most obvious of things, so please stand by and refrain from entering your business until an inspector has deemed it safe. 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A HURRICANE: Step-by-step. 

1. Contact your insurance provider. The claim filing process is vital, and it guarantees that mitigation begins with no delays. Your insurance agent is an expert in the damage restoration process - and will help you kick-start your business recovery plan.
2. Survey the damage. Pictures are important, and so are detailed notes that you can pass along to your insurance agent, to bolster your claim. It can be mentally taxing to see the damage dealt to your business by the storm, so take your time, and allow yourself to feel the effects of the devastation-- but stay sharp. Safety gear is highly recommended, as hidden dangers may lurk where your inspector may have missed them. 
3. Salvage what you can. Your repairable items are best stored in a safe, dry place until restoration is complete. If you’re not comfortable moving your items, please wait for a team of SERVPRO professionals to become available to help. We always will! 
4. Find the right Professional help. Flood damage restoration experts know how to tackle jobs of all sizes and get your business back in shape quickly. Find a company like SERVPRO, who can guide you through the entire restoration process and have proven experience helping businesses recover after hurricane flood damage.