We’ve all been asked the question, “In a fire, what would you grab first?” For a homeowner, that’s a simple answer. Because most of us would choose precious keepsakes, photos, and a few prized possessions. However, when disaster comes knocking on the door of a business. There can be dozens of critical documents, files, records, and technical equipment that are crucial in the smooth flow of business operations. Each item has a specific function and importance. When Great Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky commercial buildings undergo a natural disaster of any sort. It can be an intricate and complicated process to recover critical information. Commercial water damage is a huge setback and needs to be both prevented and prepared for. This article explores realistic and simple tips for commercial building owners to help them keep their business free from the destruction of water damage.

Do Your Research

A critical part of any written Emergency Procedure Guide includes pre-selecting a multi-faceted restoration contractor. The day after a disaster when the management team faces incredible stress. An is not the time to search for a restoration or emergency response contractor.  Further, when a regional disaster caused your own disaster, you may NOT be able to secure a local dependable emergency services contractor. That’s why having a priority response contractor such as Dry Effect can save you during the time of need.

Conduct a Risk Assessment

The components of a commercial building are diverse and complex. Unlike residential property, commercial buildings tend to have major external HVAC components, roofs decorated with an array of pipes and fans, and large utility rooms. This equipment can be intimidating for many. And the best way to keep the harrowing weather outside is to closely examine your building to ensure all basis are covered. So ask us how you can get your free Risk Assessment Questionnaire to start this process.

Locate Shut-Off Valves

Does every employee know who in the building to contact in case of an unexpected water overflow or pipe burst? In a high-stress situation, most individuals are only able to recall previously learned information rather than think on their feet. And a few minutes to locate shut-off valves will ensure proper performance when it counts. So that’s why you need our collection of critical building date manual that we create specifically for you. You get remote access to simple to view videos and photos. Stating where to locate those shut-off valves during a disaster situation. We will tag each critical shut-off. So they are visible to your employees no matter how stressful the situation they find themselves in.

Understand the Need

Every company is susceptible to disasters. FEMA declared 906 disasters from 1976 to 2001. According to FEMA 80 percent of those lacking a business continuity plan failed within two years of the storm. Another study by Datapro Research Company found that almost 50 percent of companies hit by severe crises never reopen. And that another 29 percent fail within two years.

Because these statistics prove that a well prepared disaster plan is a necessity. There should be no delay in action. Insurance is a critical factor in risk management. But insurance is not to be the sole remedy. Business interruption coverage may not cover the cost of retaining employees. So key employees find new jobs and bring their talents and contacts with them. And civil authorities may prohibit access to your facility due to health & safety or environmental concerns.

Have a Plan

Planning for the continuing survival of your business is a complex and stressful task. A professional facility manager or property owner does not question the possibility of a disaster. But asks “what could happen, and when?” Disasters come in many forms such as; severe storms, floods, earthquakes, emergencies such fire/smoke, pipe burst, chemical or oil spills, vandalism, power interruption, disruption of communications systems, or terrorism. Whether it is a natural disaster or a specific occurrence. A well prepared a manager/owner is ready to handle the impact of the disaster on the following:

  1. Health and Safety of Employees and Tenants
  2. Buildings Owned or Operated by Company
  3. Equipment Owned or Operated by Company
  4. Interruption to Business Operations
  5. Retaining key personnel
  6. Loss or damaged to vital company data and proprietary information
  7. Vendor and/or supplier disruptions to production flow
  8. Future Public Relations

Have A Solution

Survival is the goal. Dry Effect is ready with the equipment, manpower and knowledge to assist you in your recovery. By working together through your plan we can shorten the recovery time and save you thousands of dollars.

About Lisa McIntyre

Lisa McIntyre has always resided in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Applied Science. Ultimately, her passion for science and teaching came to fruition after her husband requested her assistance in developing Dry Effect Restoration Services. She was able to develop her knowledge, degrees and certifications further in many indoor air quality associations and organizations. Thus allowing her to educate Realtors and Insurance Agents on the damages that many common indoor air quality irritants and water bacterial growths can lead to in ones home or business. Over 10 years later she’s glad to have taken the leap of faith to assist her husband what seemed to be a fun project into a lifetime achievement and to see the individuals she teaches prosper from their newly found knowledge.

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