5 Inspection Points for Storm Preparedness

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in South Highlands, WA.

Storm Preparedness

Operating a business in an area susceptible to storms means planning for the inevitable. In South Highlands, WA, businesses need to make storm preparedness part of their exterior maintenance schedule. Keep in mind each of these inspection points when judging your building's storm liability.

Loose Exterior Elements
During a storm, any loose elements outside of your building could become airborne. Not only could your business lose these, but they could become dangerous projectiles in a storm. Create a list of elements that need to be secured before a storm. Look for things like:

• Outdoor signs
• Exterior displays
• Landscaping features like bushes or trees
• Parking lot gravel
  
  

Know the Location of All Glass
All your windows will need to be secured for a storm, but don't forget about glass doors on your building. As you perform your building inspection, look for all outside facing glass. Then you can inspect the damage after a storm and point a professional restoration service where to go.

Don't Forget About Your Roof
During exterior maintenance, many businesses only consider what they can see from the ground. Don't forget about your roof and any vents, skylights, pipes, or other equipment that could be damaged during a storm.

Be Mindful Of Propane and Gas
If your business uses propane for manufacturing or power, make sure all of these elements are completely protected during a storm. Keeping your gas lines safe a secure is an important part of keeping your building maintained, especially during a storm.

Examine Areas at Risk of Flooding
Your building should be sloped to prevent most rainfall from damaging it. However, in extreme circumstances, places that normally do not flood may. Be prepared and examine your building's walls and thresholds. Exterior maintenance should keep sandbags around in case of storm flooding.
The best way to prepare your building for a storm is to integrate preventative measures into normal exterior maintenance. Preparedness is your business's best tool for fighting storm damage.