A Storm Damage Preparation Plan for Commercial Structures

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a Bluffdale building.

Storm Damage Prevention

The managers and owners of commercial buildings should make a plan to prepare for storms. Many methods for protecting property from adverse weather are long-term strategies that may not be possible to implement in the hours before a winter storm. From anticipating seasonal weather patterns to monitoring weather forecasts for Bluffdale, UT, building managers, and owners should take a proactive approach to storm damage prevention.

Watch the Weather

One of the easiest ways for property owners and managers to prepare for storms is to be aware of seasonal weather patterns and approaching storm systems. Here are a few of the most important types of weather events for which to look out:

• High winds
• Freezing temperatures
• Severe weather events

High winds have the potential to damage a structure and may accompany more severe weather events. Freezing temperatures may not seem as dangerous, but a frozen blockage may form in an exposed pipe and cause a pipe break that floods a structure.

Maintain Drainage

A longer-term storm preparation measure involves maintaining drainage. This can be helpful all year long, from allowing snow and ice to melt after a winter storm to keeping downspouts, drains and gutters clear for rainfall in other seasons.

Reduce Damage Risks

Property owners may want to invest in solutions for anchoring items kept outdoors such as chairs, tables or garbage cans. Any unsecured items can become flying debris that damages a property when wind speeds pick up. Storm windows might also be a worthwhile investment.

Some storm damage preparation methods involve investing in the infrastructure or maintenance of a commercial building in Bluffdale, UT. Other measures require immediate action based on changing weather conditions, such as keeping under-insulated pipes from bursting during a winter storm. A plan that accounts for short- and long-term preparations can go a long way toward limiting the severity of damage to a structure.