Business Floods & Weather Damage Cause Trouble
There is not much you can do about the weather, but there are several steps business owners can keep in mind to prevent damages and costs with the threat of a flood and harsh weather.
Henry Dow, CEO of The Water Restoration Group and former insurance adjuster for many years explains, “Preparation is key. Some insurance policies don’t cover ALL of the costs after weather related damage, and the deductibles can be outrageous. That’s why it is best to take all the precautionary measures before and after the incident to keep overall flood damage costs down.”
5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Bad Weather is Lurking
- Start the mitigation process with a certified restoration company immediately. This is essential not only for insurance purposes but to prevent further damage like mold growth and structural damage which can cost your business tens of thousands of dollars. Research possible companies before hand to ensure they are qualified and can handle the job.
- Every second counts when handling water and flood damage. Determine where the water is coming from. If it is a broken pipe, shut down the water supply of the building right away.
- Install drip alarms and float switches on certain appliances. Drip alarms will notify you when an appliance (i.e. washing machine, water heater) begins to leak while float switches will cause an Air Conditioning unit to automatically shut off when the water level is too high.
- Hail resistant roofs, impact windows and shutters are highly recommended to prevent weather damage. It may seem like a costly project but most insurance companies will offer you a discount to help with the costs.
- Maintain your gutters and their downspouts. Clean them regularly as they can get clogged and damaged. Bad gutters will not drain properly and cause further damage.
“Taking precautionary measures saves money, but it also ensures the safety of your employees and the probability that you can open your doors again for business to serve your community and keep your employees with food on the table.” Says Henry Dow on the importance of being educated on flood and leak prevention.
The Water Restoration Group enjoys decades of serving the South Florida community with residential and commercial water and fire mitigation, mold remediation, clean-up and reconstruction.
