Hurricane Preparedness - Northern Rhode Island

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Having an emergency plan in the event of a natural disaster will help your business quickly recover. SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island has put together these steps to ensure you are ready before a hurricane hits:

Planning Ahead

It’s important to review the properties insurance policy with your insurance agent. Discussing the hazards of a hurricane can make you better prepared. Make sure your policy fully covers you for flooding, damage, and cleanup to prevent costly issues after a storm.

Building Exterior

Don’t wait until after a hurricane passes to deal with the damage. Prevent damage before it happens by following these steps:

• Clean drains, gutters, and downspouts of the buildings
• Remove antennas or loose objects from the roof
• Bring in display racks and other objects usually left outside. Secure all loose objects, such as trash cans, which might cause damage during strong winds.
• Remove outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable
• If the building has exterior glass frontage, clear out that section of the building as much as possible and use shutters or board up to protect the glass. If you have no shutters or boards, strong masking or duct tape may be used. Tape in an "X" fashion on the inside of the glass to reduce shattering.

Building Interior

• Secure your vital records and data and be sure all your important information is backed up and accessible should you not have access to your computers or network.
• Move merchandise, equipment or furniture from windows and glass skylights to protect them from water damage.
• Relocate files, boxes, computers, office machines, and other equipment to the innermost portion of the building or a safer location.
• Do not leave boxes or equipment on the ground floor; elevate them by placing items on desk or table tops.
• Cover merchandise, office machines, specialized equipment, file cabinets, copy machines, computer terminals, etc. with tarpaulins or plastic sheeting and secure with sturdy tape.
• Close all windows and draw blinds or drapes.

If you experience damage to your business caused by a hurricane or storm you may need professional help. SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island is a trusted leader in storm damage cleanup and restoration expert.

For more information on steps to take to protect your business visit our website or call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island today at (401) 949-9955.