Growth & Jobs | Businesses urged to prepare for hurricane aftermath

As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its climatological peak of activity on September 10, businesses are being urged to prepare for the challenges that can emerge in the aftermath of a storm.

Kerry Scott, head of real estate and properties, JN Properties, said that among the effects of hurricane-related flooding are mould and mud which can create additional problems for businesses seeking to resume operations, as was in the case following Hurricane Melissa.

“Water can remain trapped in walls, ceilings, floors and other materials, and if those areas are not dried properly and quickly, mould can become a challenge,” he explained.

“The best time businesses should plan recovery is before a hurricane. Owners should know who will assess their property, who they will contact for repairs, how they will protect their assets, and what they will do if flooding occurs. Having those decisions made in advance can save valuable time and significantly reduce downtime,” he said.

He recommends that businesses conduct a thorough assessment of their premises before reopening after a flooding, noting that the extent of water damage may not always be immediately apparent, as moisture can penetrate materials or enter areas that are not readily noticeable.

“Business operators should also determine how water entered the premises and address the source, whether it was through a damaged roof, windows, doors, plumbing or inadequate drainage,” he advised.

JN Properties manages more than 130 commercial and residential properties, including two strata developments, giving its personnel extensive insight into the property-related challenges businesses may face before, during and after a hurricane.

GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Scott says that water-damaged premises should be treated with urgency.

“The longer moisture remains, the greater the potential for additional damage. Furthermore, it can lead to unpleasant odours and deterioration of materials, making the restoration process more difficult and potentially keeping the business closed for longer. After a flooding, the focus should be on drying affected areas and determining which materials can be salvaged and which may need to be disposed of.”

Scott highlighted that flooding can also leave behind mud and silt which requires major cleanup.

“Mud can be particularly challenging because it can get into almost every part of a property, making the building inaccessible. It can affect sensitive equipment, machinery and inventory and, once it dries, can become even more difficult and costly to remove. Removing thick layers of mud may require specialised equipment, and the cleanup has to be done carefully because the mud may contain contaminants,” he said.

He added that once there is extensive water damage, mould or mud, businesses should consider getting professional advice on cleaning before resuming normal operations as exposure can cause allergic reactions.

KEEP PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD

Scott encouraged businesses to consider the location of inventory, equipment, documents and other valuable assets in preparation of a hurricane.

“Where possible, items that could be damaged by floodwater should be elevated or moved to an upper floor where one exists,” he said.

He also recommends that businesses keep a photographic record of important assets, which can assist with assessing damage after a storm.

“After it is safe to do so, businesses should photograph the property and its contents before cleanup begins and maintain an inventory of damaged assets. This can be very useful for insurance purposes and can also help to give the business a clear picture of what has been affected, which can help to speed up the recovery process.”

Scott further advised that businesses also keep contact information for key service providers, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, cleaning companies and other contractors, so they can be reached quickly when needed.

“While it is critical to put measures in place to safeguard the building before a hurricane, it is just as important to make preparation in advance to help the business reopen safely and be able to continue operations,” Scott said.