Winter Storm- Preparedness Checklist

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storms can be devastating if we are unprepared!

2017 has taught us all too somberly that preparation is critical and emergency preparedness is prudent. With all the breaking news of recent disasters, we have been reminded that, though there is much we cannot control, there are steps we can take to be equipped.

At SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County, we want to encourage all business owners, property managers, and chief engineers at property sites of all types to be prepared for the storm season. Here are a few key things to have on hand:

Supplies:

• Portable phone chargers
• Sandbags
• Plywood
• Flashlights
• Safety glasses
• Emergency generators
• Fuel

Many of these suggestions are only starting points for your check list. Each business has varying needs depending on location and operations. Know your team’s unique context and construct your supply list accordingly.

In addition to collecting and storing items in an accessible spot, it’s also important to make contact information for each service partner readily available. Cue these professionals to be on alert in the event your site needs help. If your business doesn’t have existing relationships with certain service providers, initiate connections now. Establish relationships with a reliable contractor, tree trimmer, electrician, restoration company, and others.

Another important storm preparation step to consider is insurance education. Know your policy, especially specifics on exclusions. Have clear knowledge about your business’ insurance coverage and authorize a team person to interact with insurance as well as manage payment, reimbursement and claims related to the clean up work performed.

Most importantly, do a walk through of the property to assess vulnerable spots before the storm. Know the areas that are already weak and mitigate them in advance of the storm. Pay close attention to gutters and tree branches, reinforce or trim when necessary.

Finally, for your business, SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County can create an Emergency READY Profile.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. 

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

There many more steps to the preparedness process and more checklist items depending on your specific needs, but these highlights are a good start.  We at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County want you to be equipped and confident in your storm preparedness.

Water Damage in your Home or Business? Need to schedule an Emergency READY Profile? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861