Best Practices For Preparing For Summer Storms

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Every smart home or business owner knows to prepare for summer storms. You likely know that the lightning, high winds, and heavy rains that come with frequent summer storms can be damaging and dangerous. Proper summer storm preparation will keep you, your family, and your workforce safe, and can help to protect your property from the worst of the damage. With the proper preparation, even if you do experience storm damage, you will be able to recover more quickly, as well. We here at SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca Counties have some tips for you in preparing your home or business for summer storms. 

Response Plan. Develop a response plan to prepare your business for those summer storm events. When a storm hits, communicating with your employees should be first on your list; they will need to know how you will handle the situation. People need to know where you are and what the next step will be. Letting people know what dangers may be in the neighborhood, for example, such as downed trees or flooded roads can help save them from injury or disaster. 

Vulnerable People. If you are caring for older people, or if you have small children, communication with those who are nearest will be key for the safety of these most vulnerable family members. If you are handling a business, make sure you think about those that have physical challenges, or those who travel a long way to get to work, for example. 

Back to Work. The goal of your business response plan should be to get your operations back up and running normally as fast as possible so that you can avoid any associated loss.  Creating a contingency plan will help support your business during an extended period of recovery or reduced operations. If your physical location is destroyed by summer storm damage and your workforce is able to do their jobs from home, that will be a huge plus. Think through all the possible issues and have a plan in place that will allow you to conduct your business as close to normal as you can. 

Stay at Home. A home-focused contingency plan will allow for family members to have somewhere to go in the event that your home is not accessible. An area hotel or the home of a close friend may work well for everyone, but make sure you put this in place in advance of a summer storm.

These are just a few ideas that can help you with your summer storm preparations. What your home or business needs will depend on your particular and unique family or business situation, and planning ahead with these things in mind will go a long way towards keeping everyone safe and as damage free as possible. 

If you do experience a severe weather event, remember that we are always here to help. The SERVPRO of Huron & East Seneca Counties team has years experience in handling storm damage, fire damage, and water damage from floods and other disastrous events. Call us today for help in preparing your home or business for summer storms.