Assessing Wind Damage After a Southeast Storm: What to Look For

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to be your partner in storm damage restoration.

As a SERVPRO® professional, we understand that Southeast storms can bring powerful winds capable of causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Assessing wind damage promptly and accurately is crucial for effective restoration and prevention of further issues. Here’s a guide to help you identify and evaluate wind damage after a storm.

Roof Damage

One of the most common areas affected by wind is the roof. High winds can lift and remove shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, and look for granules in your gutters, which indicate shingle wear. Additionally, check for any visible gaps or cracks around the chimney and skylights. It's essential to address these issues quickly to prevent leaks and structural damage.

Siding and Exterior Walls

Wind can also cause damage to the siding and exterior walls of your home or business. Look for loose, cracked, or missing siding panels. Examine the corners and edges where siding pieces meet, as these areas are particularly susceptible to wind damage. If you notice any separation or gaps, it’s vital to have these repaired to maintain the integrity of your building’s exterior.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are vulnerable points during a windstorm. Check for cracked, broken, or shattered glass. Inspect the seals around windows and doors for any signs of damage or wear. Even small gaps can allow water and wind to enter your home, leading to further damage. Ensure that all windows and doors are properly sealed and functioning to keep your property secure.

Fencing and Outdoor Structures

Don’t forget to inspect your fencing and other outdoor structures, such as sheds, gazebos, and pergolas. High winds can loosen posts, warp panels, and cause structural instability. Look for leaning fences, broken boards, or damaged hardware. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent accidents and additional damage during future storms.

Landscaping and Trees

Wind damage isn't limited to your home or building; it can also affect your landscaping. Assess your yard for fallen branches, uprooted trees, and damaged plants. Pay close attention to trees near your home, as they can pose a threat to your property if they are unstable. Remove any debris and consider consulting a professional arborist to evaluate and trim any potentially hazardous trees.

Gutters and Downspouts

Finally, inspect your gutters and downspouts. High winds can dislodge these components, leading to improper drainage and potential water damage. Make sure gutters are securely fastened and free of debris. Check that downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent erosion and basement flooding.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Assessment

While a visual inspection can help identify obvious signs of wind damage, a professional assessment is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. At SERVPRO, we have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly inspect your property and address any damage. Our team is ready to assist you with prompt, reliable service to restore your home or business to its pre-storm condition.

In the wake of a Southeast storm, quick and effective wind damage assessment is crucial. By knowing what to look for and addressing issues promptly, you can protect your property and ensure a swift recovery. Trust SERVPRO to be your partner in storm damage restoration.

Beware of Mold After a Hurricane: Tips to Protect Your Home

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

Don't underestimate the threat of mold!

In the aftermath of a hurricane, the focus often shifts to visible damage caused by wind and flooding. However, another silent threat lurks in the shadows: mold. Mold can quickly develop in homes and buildings after a hurricane due to excess moisture and water intrusion. In this blog, we'll explore the dangers of mold growth after a hurricane and provide valuable tips to help you protect your home and loved ones.

Understanding the Risk of Mold

Mold thrives in moist and humid environments, making post-hurricane conditions ideal for its growth. When water infiltrates your home during a hurricane, it can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. Left unchecked, mold can spread rapidly and cause significant damage to your property.

Identifying Signs of Mold

After a hurricane, it's essential to be vigilant for signs of mold growth in your home. Common indicators include musty odors, visible mold growth on walls or ceilings, and discoloration or staining of surfaces. If you suspect mold in your home, it's crucial to take immediate action to address the problem and prevent further spread

Steps to Prevent Mold After a Hurricane

1. After the storm subsides, prioritize drying out your home as quickly as possible. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote air circulation and remove excess moisture.
2. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home for water damage, paying close attention to areas prone to water intrusion, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Address any leaks or water damage promptly to prevent mold growth.
3.  Dispose of any water-damaged materials, such as carpeting, drywall, and insulation, that cannot be salvaged. Prompt removal of wet materials can help prevent mold growth and minimize damage to your home.
4. Use a mixture of water and detergent to clean surfaces affected by water damage. Additionally, consider using a disinfectant approved for mold remediation to kill any remaining mold spores and prevent regrowth.
5. Keep humidity levels in your home below 60% to discourage mold growth. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels and adjust as needed with the use of air conditioners, dehumidifiers, or ventilation fans.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you discover extensive mold growth or are unable to effectively remediate the problem on your own, it's essential to seek professional assistance. Mold remediation specialists, like SERVPRO of Oviedo/Winter Springs East, have the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home and restore indoor air quality.

Don't underestimate the threat of mold after a hurricane. By understanding the risks, identifying signs of mold growth, and taking proactive steps to prevent and address mold infestations, you can protect your home and property. Remember, swift action is key to mitigating mold damage and ensuring a safe and healthy living environment. If you need assistance with mold remediation or have any questions about mold prevention, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO® for help. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East at (407) 985-3200, available 24 hours a day.

We Have The State-of-the-Art Equipment Necessary in Oviedo

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Saving Facilities After Silicone Roof Water Damage in Orlando, FL

If your office needs commercial water damage mitigation, you can count on a certified SERVPRO team to handle the damages quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business. No matter how large or small the disaster, professionals are dedicated to restoring your business and ensuring that cleanup is done to code.

Silicone Roofing Risks

While silicone roof coatings can help business owners with flat roofing save on electricity and other costs, there are some risks to consider when implementing this in your space after water damage strikes. These include:

• Abrasion and tear resistance. Compared to other coatings like modified bitumen, silicone roofing is not the most durable. It can get very slippery when wet, which can make it more prone to tears. Foot traffic dropped tools, and other activities can potentially damage the coating. 
  
  
• Attracting dirt. Silicone roofing, which is often white, can get a visible coat of airborne dust and dirt over time, darkening roofing. Clean regularly to maximize the energy-reflective nature of the roof coating and save on HVAC costs.
  
  
• Recoating. While recoating may not be needed as often as it is for other roofing solutions, it is imperative to choose silicone compatible with your current coating. 

How SERVPRO Saves Your Facilities

Suppose you have a roof leak in your facilities. In that case, SERVPRO can use centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers in tandem to pull moisture off of surfaces and eliminate it, replacing the moist air with air that is warm and dry. To dry a wet ceiling, technicians may open a few ceiling panels on either end of the affected area and position equipment so that air circulates straight up and through the space between your ceiling and roofing. This placement also helps warm, dry air circulate through the affected space for better results.

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East is here to ensure that your business looks "Like it never even happened." Call (407) 985-3200 today for rapid disaster mitigation.

How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.

Plan For Your Pets

Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well. 

Make an Evacuation Plan

Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. 

You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate. 

Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:

• A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
• Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
• A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
• Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
• Medications
• Toys

Don’t Have to Evacuate? 

If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.

Pet Stress Symptoms

Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.

As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Remain calm as an owner
• Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
• Close blinds and curtains
• Keep them in their normal routine, if possible

Read more storm and pet related articles here.

How to Prepare a Business for Storms

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call at (407) 542-0000 for 24-hour emergency service. Our commercial loss team is standing by to return your business to preloss condition.

3 Ways to Prepare for Storms

While disaster preparedness is not everyone's favorite activity, it can be the difference between a company surviving a storm and one that does not. When a hurricane strikes a small company, as many as 40 percent of these businesses never reopen. So a good plan is critical. Read further for our four top tips to prepare your company.

1. Buy Insurance. Have the right policy in effect when a storm strikes. Claims payments can replace lost inventory and damaged equipment that is vital to your success. Structuring a policy that makes sense for your company may take a time investment on the front end, but will save valuable time, money and energy given a claim-qualifying event. Business interruption insurance covers some expenses if the damage is severe enough to suspend normal workplace operations. 
2. Fortify the Building's Exterior. As common sense tells us, a sturdy building will prevail against high winds—like a hurricane or tornado—longer than a weaker builder. A fortified roof system, durable siding, and storm windows will have a better chance of keeping water out and holding up in strong winds.
3. Make a Disaster Preparedness Checklist. This document will include all the information needed in a storm: important contacts of emergency services in the area, the location of critical equipment, shutoff valves, and emergency supplies, and the phone number of a local storm remediation team for assistance in the recovery. SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East offers this information in the form of an Emergency Ready Plans or ERPs. These plans are drawn up by one of our team members to make sure you have access to our emergency services and other important information at a moment's notice.

It's a good idea to consult with experts and bring in professionals to coach employees on what actions to take and not to take in times of stress. Organizations such as FEMA have helpful resources to help with your efforts. 

About SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a storm, water, or fire event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Give us a call at (407) 542-0000 for 24-hour emergency service. Our commercial loss team is standing by to return your business to preloss condition.

Protect Your Home Against Wind Damage

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

While thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more severe and may be more costly. Still, thunderstorms are responsible for a lot of damage, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. Either way, billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. While understanding the nature of wind damage can’t stop them from happening, it can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

What You Need to Know

Flying Debris is a Damage Risk

Flying debris can cause more damage than strong winds themselves. Damage can result from plants or other unsecured structures and objects. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans are either secured or brought inside. Bonus tip: For severe weather, secure your doors and windows, too.

A Well-Designed Roofing System Does Wonders

Apply roof deck, shingles, or membrane over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the structure in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.

The construction phase of building a structure is the most influential piece in reducing damage caused by storms. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck, so fasten that siding down. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure.

Monitor and Maintain Your Trees.

Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Maintain your trees by removing dead limbs. In addition, remove the entire tree if it is dead. Healthy trees should have strong enough roots to withstand fairly strong winds, but dead trees will not.

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

What happens after the storm? 

First, close any openings as soon as possible. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common source of water damage in these situations. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nail it over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up, if needed, so contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If the damage is too much to handle on your own, contact a restoration professional as soon as you can to help limit and repair damage and respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Faster Response

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly to your area with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Resources to Scale Up for Large Disasters

When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1900 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

3 Ways FEMA Can Save The Day

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage.

While the nation struggles to pick up the pieces after Hurricanes Ida and its aftereffects, many may wonder how they might recover from local storms. Although the average storm may not sweep across neighborhoods with the force to wipe out buildings, it can still bring a significant amount of flooding. Below are three ways the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help during such difficult times.

1. Organized Support

When a catastrophic flood strikes, it affects everyday life. FEMA formulates a method to respond to the crisis effectively. Victims may check online to see whether their specific area will receive support. After the President of the United States declares a specified area a disaster, a person may apply for disaster assistance through a straight-forward system. FEMA can also work with the state(s) involved to form funding before an expected storm. 

2. Damage Inspection

Despite the vast differences in each situation, FEMA responds to disasters that prioritize victims first. Assistance is determined by comparing recorded essential losses and serious needs to the types of assistance available within FEMA programs and services. After registering, an inspector specializing in disasters generally visits within a week. From there, the agency can work with residents to determine the right assistance plan and begin their aid.

3. Covers Unmet Needs

If a victim has insurance, FEMA still recommends filing an insurance claim first. However, insurance may not cover all losses claimed, in which case FEMA assistance may cover those unmet needs. Connecting with as many programs as possible could help a person receive more aid faster, especially if the damage is severe or in case of an unexpected delay.

No matter the extent of the damage, any natural disaster is shocking, challenging and stressful. However, this is the point at which FEMA can step in to help you get your space – and subsequently, your life – back on solid ground.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Business Before a Storm

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Have storm damage? Call SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East today.

Minimize the Effects of a Storm on Your Business

During a storm, you can experience damage to your commercial building in Geneva, FL. Flood water, rain and wind can all cause problems for your property. Because of this, it is important to be prepared before a storm occurs. Here are four ways that you can help to prevent or minimize the effects of a storm on your business.

1. Inspect for Damage

If there is any existing damage to your building, it may get worse after a storm. Cracks in the exterior can allow rain inside the walls, resulting in water damage that you might not notice right away. Damaged roofs can contribute to leaks. These can allow mold to form and spread and may weaken the structure of the building as well.

2. Check Doors and Windows

In order to prevent flood water from entering the building, you should make sure that all doors and windows are properly sealed. Ensure that these have not been damaged and that they will prevent moisture from getting inside.

3. Examine the Exterior

You may be more concerned with the inside of your building, but don’t forget to inspect the outside of the property as well. If there are smaller objects outside, you may want to move them to a storage area to prevent them from being picked up by the wind. Make sure that gutters and drains are cleaned to keep water from backing up, and trim any tree branches located near windows.

4. Back Up Important Files and Data

Damage to the building is not the only way that a storm can affect your business. If you end up with a flooded building, your electronics and equipment can be damaged. If you do not back up important files on these devices, then you may lose them.

The best way to keep storms and flood water from damaging your building is to perform regular maintenance. This will ensure that your property is in good condition during an emergency. If you do have any damage, you can contact a cleanup and restoration service to perform necessary repairs.

5 Pitfalls to Avoid Following a Flood

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

5 Pitfalls to Avoid Following a Flood

If a storm strikes in Chuluota, FL, your home may become susceptible to damage caused by floodwater. Should you experience such a calamity, keeping in mind the below precautions will help maximize a safe and cost-effective return to normalcy.

1. Prevent Electric Shock
Water conducts electricity, making wading through flooded houses particularly perilous. Reduce exposure to electrified water by wearing knee-high rubber boots. Always avoid removing cords or plugs with wet hands and only do so by pulling on the plug, not the cord. Additionally, never flip a circuit breaker before your place has been certified dry.

2. Look Out for Mold and Mildew
If flooding necessitates vacating your home, you may uncover a nasty surprise upon your return. Mold can begin growing within a day or two following a flood, especially when there is humidity. Consider wearing a respirator mask until you have had your house professionally checked for mold.

3. Beware of Contamination
Flood water relentlessly knocks over anything in its path and can therefore easily become compromised. Avoid touching any water in a flooded home that you are not certain is free from raw sewage or other hazardous substances.

4. Never Jump the Gun on Buying Furniture
Purchasing a new sofa or bed may feel like a step toward normalcy, but acquiring new items too soon may become costly. You never want to pay for storage while still managing the expense of cleaning up water damage.

5. Don’t Wait to Contact Your Insurance
Immediately check with your home insurance carrier regarding the proper steps toward assessing flood damage. The faster you do so, the sooner you will be able to employ a flood restoration service that can get your residence looking “Like it never even happened.”
Uncontrollable flood water can wreak havoc, but heeding the above warnings will help assure your safety, limit expenses, and speed up the restoration process.

Exploring the 3 Contaminated Water Types

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Contaminated water in Oviedo, FL, is something that no one wants to deal with, but it happens, so you want to ensure that you are informed. This guide helps you take the right steps to restore your home following a flood or bad water situation. 

Clean Water

Also referred to as white water, this type is considered clean and not harmful to people or your pets. The one exception to this rule would be if detergent got into the water. You may experience a flood of this water type due to situations, such as the following:

• Overflowing sink
• Toilet overflow or backup
• Damaged or broken water supply line
• Faucet damage or a severe leak

It is important to note that while this is initially considered harmless in most cases, it can progress to contamination within 48 hours, so prompt action to clean it up is often imperative. 

Contaminated Water

This type of wastewater may flow from your washing machine, dishwasher, or bathroom fixtures. It usually does not hurt people or pets, but it can contain impurities that can pose a danger to them. Some of the impurities that may be present include cleaning agents, food residue, and household chemicals. Within 48 hours, the associated mold and bacteria growth can transform into black water.

Sewer Water or Outside Flood Water

Sewer water is referred to as black water, and since it contains sewage, it is considered the most dangerous form of adulterated water. You should not attempt to go into an area with it without the proper protection.

Understanding clean water, contaminated water, black water, and the supply line that brings the water to your home can make it easier for you to take the appropriate action should you end up with unwanted water in your home. The faster you act, the more you reduce the potential negative issues, such as destruction of your belongings and mold growth. 

Water Damage 101

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Unexpected water in your Geneva, FL, home where it shouldn’t be isn’t something that should be overlooked. Whether the water damage appears to be minimal or a lot, understanding the type of water and damage is important to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Types of Water

Any kind of water needs to be immediately addressed to ensure further damage doesn’t occur. Before grabbing the mop and bucket or wet vacuum, it is vital to understand the type of water that is being dealt with. They are three categories of water:

Clean Water: As its name suggests, this type poses no threat. This damage occurs when a water supply line leaks, a sink or bathtub without contaminants overflows, melting snow, or rainwater infiltrates the home.
Gray Water: Once water mixes with chemicals or minimal biological contaminants, it moves to this category. Sources may include a leaking dishwasher, urine-only toilet overflow, or water condensation.
Black Water: This is unsanitary water full of bacteria and microorganisms harmful to humans and animals. If there was a recent flood, it could mean those rising water included sewage and other debris.

Types of Damage
When assessing water damage to determine repairs, understanding the types is important.

Class 1: The least harmful kind, it typically means that a minimal amount was absorbed in the affected areas. It is usually easy to clean.
Class 2: Known for quick evaporation rates, it can quickly absorb into carpeting and other porous materials. This damage typically requires more extensive repairs.
Class 3: If a sprinkler or pipe bursts, it can rapidly drench floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. The rapid rate of evaporation requires quick action and water remediation measures to ensure the damage doesn’t spread or promote mold growth.
Class 4: Excessive flooding means massive saturation of integral home components. Consulting a water damage and remediation expert is the best bet containing the situation and ensuring further damage doesn’t happen.

While there are many levels of water damage, quick action in all situations is key to getting your home back to normal.

4 Tips for Preparing Your Company for a Storm

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Getting Your Company Storm Ready

While disaster preparedness is not everyone's favorite activity, it can be the difference between a company surviving a storm and one that does not. When a hurricane strikes a small company, as many as 40 percent of these businesses never reopen. That's why a good plan is critical. What, though, is the best approach when you do not have infinite time and resources? Here are four top tips for getting your company ready.

1. Get Insurance. Having the right policy in effect when a storm strikes can be a lifesaver. It's a good idea to spend some time structuring a policy that makes sense for your company. Business interruption insurance can cover some of the expenses if the damage is so severe that normal operations are suspended. Claims payments can replace lost inventory and damaged equipment that is vital to your success.

2. Fortify the Building's Exterior. A strong and built building to withstand high winds can survive a hurricane or tornado where a weaker builder will not. A fortified roof system will have a better chance of keeping water out. Durable siding is a crucial aspect of business preparedness, as are windows built to hold up in strong winds.

3. Make a Disaster Preparedness Checklist. This document will include all the information needed in a storm: important contacts of emergency services in Chuluota, FL, the location of critical equipment, shutoff valves, and emergency supplies, and the phone number of a local storm remediation team for assistance in the recovery.

4. Spend Time on Planning. The more time your company spends on planning, the better its disaster preparedness will be. It's a good idea to consult with experts and bring in professionals to coach employees on what actions to take and not to take in times of stress. Organizations such as FEMA have helpful resources to help with your efforts.