How To Lessen Severe Weather Damage on Your Business

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain in Chicago, IL

Severe weather can strike during any season in Chicago, IL. Staying prepared is key to lessening the damage that can be caused by severe weather. Regardless if it's a rain storm, high winds or heavy lightning, there are measures you can take to ensure your business operations are less likely to be impacted.

Before Severe Weather Strikes

Maintaining your property is important to avoiding damage. Making sure your employees are informed is equally important.
Before severe weather happens, make sure your employees have a designated safe place to take cover in the event of damaging winds or potential tornado. Also, be sure everyone has access to an emergency preparedness kit. The kit should include first aid supplies, drinking water, hand sanitizer, a radio with working batteries or rechargeable hand crank, light sticks and a whistle.
Around your property, keep trees and shrubbery trimmed to lessen clean up after a rain storm. Regularly remove damaged and dead branches and don't allow them to grow near windows. If a tree is dying, have it removed.
If your building has a lightning rod, have it inspected every year. Make sure a quality assurance certification is completed every three to five years.

During Severe Weather
Once a thunderstorm strikes, be prepared for anything to happen. Take preventive measures to keep everyone safe, including the following:

• Keep employees safe by keeping them away from windows and skylights.
• Keep apprised of the situation from your local news.
• Stay indoors if you hear thunder, as that means lightning is nearby.
• Avoid electrical equipment.
• If you hear emergency sirens, take cover immediately.
• Remain calm.
  

If you experience damage during the thunderstorm, shut off the power to your building if it safe to do so. If the damage is severe, don't attempt to perform cleanup yourself, as hazards could be present. Contact your insurance company and contact restoration specialists who are trained for these types of situations.
Always have emergency contacts on hand should you need assistance. Being prepared for a rain storm or thunderstorm is the biggest part of keeping everyone and everything safe.