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The number of global reported natural disasters have risen exponentially since the 1900s. Before 1980, there were less than 100 events a year.
In the past decade, there have been over 275 events each year! This includes drought, floods, extreme weather, landslides, wildfires, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.
Clearly, commercial businesses need to think about disaster cleanup and recovery. Read on to learn everything you need to know about disaster cleanup for commercial properties.
Disaster cleanup for commercial properties can take quite a lot of time. If you aren’t operational during disaster cleanup, you could lose a lot of money.
During a disaster like a fire or a flood, it’s too late to think about a business continuity plan. Now is the time to make a continuity plan that will outline recovery priorities and strategies.
This plan can help protect your sensitive data and can help other team members be prepared.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides a free continuity plan outline to help business owners prepare for disasters.
Also, make sure you have an evacuation plan and an emergency procedure for how you will contact employees, customers, and other stakeholders if an emergency occurs.
The first 48 hours after a disaster are vital in disaster cleanup and recovery for commercial property owners. Make sure you take lots of photos and videos of your property to document the damage sustained.
Take the lead on speaking to the right people during the disaster cleanup for your business. Speak to emergency responders and other industry experts such as lawyers, fire marshal office, a public adjuster, architects or engineers.
Next, contact your insurance company. Most policies require that you notify the company within a reasonable amount of time after damage.
You will need to provide the date and time of the disaster, a copy of the fire report (if applicable) and other preliminary details about the extent of the damage.
Disaster cleanup for commercial property owners can be a hectic and overwhelming time. But it’s important that you stay level-headed and organized.
Keep a binder of everything that has to do with disaster cleanup and recovery. Keep a copy of your insurance policy, any estimates and other documentation in that binder.
This simple way to stay on top of everything will allow you to prove your claim and meet all the conditions of your insurance policy.
A big part of disaster cleanup for commercial properties involves getting back up and running as soon as possible. You will need to search for temporary property options that are suitable for your business during repairs.
According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Don’t be one of these.
Consider getting help from a disaster restoration company that specializes in business continuity.
We hope this guide on disaster cleanup and recovery for commercial businesses helps you plan ahead for disaster.
At Unlimited Restoration Inc., we will custom design your priority response emergency plan to suit the individual needs of your property and business. Contact us today to learn more.
