What Commercial Property Managers Should Prep For a Storm In The Wappingers and Fishkill Areas

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Have a storm plan in place, no matter the season, for your commercial properties!

Storms are accountable for countless injuries across the country each year. If any of those occur, your company could be facing liability if any injuries happen on your property and substantial costs to remedy avoidable damage. Where do you even begin for storm prep in Dutchess County?

Use these helpful tips to get a handle on this important part of planning:

Make A Storm Plan

Every multi-building or multi-unit needs an inclusive storm preparation plan and should cover things like

•  Disaster-relief information
•  Emergency contacts
•  Evacuation plans
•  Nearby shelters

Create your plan several months in advance for both summer and winter as part of storm preparedness. Remember to include seasonally-affected specifics like blizzards and heat sources or hurricanes and sheltering-in-place plans. Review, seek input and revise it with your staff. Make sure you distribute it to residents, tenants and other facilities staff. Make the plan a saved document that can be found and shared online if needed.

Check with the properties insurance and make sure you’re clear on what has to be done in case of damage, who to report it to and what SERVPRO franchise you can call.

Always secure loose objects around the property

A powerful storm can make furniture and even garbage cans dangerous projectiles that can cause harm and damage. Inspect for anything that could be picked up by strong winds. Remove portable items to indoor storage. For stationary items like playground equipment, use tarps, ties, locks and similar securing devices to keep things in place. Trees and bushes should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from causing damage but certainly before a pending storm.

Supply stock

In the midst of a storm, important supplies can run out. Prepare by stocking up on essentials months before the storm season. Keep lots of water and batteries on hand, candles, matches, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio and non-perishable foods if possible. It’s also a good idea to invest in a backup generator or several and the fuel they need to run.

We’ve all seen photos and news stories about how storms can be so dangerous, sometimes deadly. Being prepared can be a lifesaver. Having a solid storm plan, being informed, securing loose items and keeping important supplies on hand can help keep your residents and property safe and overall, will help things go smoother.

In the event your property suffers storm damage, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is here to help. Our teams are available for emergencies 24/7 and can help make it “Like it never even happened.”