Getting Back to Business After a Big Storm

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Get back to business faster by knowing what to do after a hurricane, tornado or other powerful storm damages your small business.

You own or manage a small business and have worked hard to make it successful. But when the unexpected happens, you may be left scrambling to recover. A hurricane, tornado or other storm can be such an event: coming in with little notice and leaving your business damaged, your power out and your business at risk.

Your goal after a storm is to make—and be able to pay for—the repairs you need to get your business up and running quickly. Knowing ahead of time what you need to do can make a big difference. SERVPRO® recommends taking these six steps after a hurricane or other storm to make a fast recovery.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent

When the storm is on its way, make sure you have contact information for your insurer, as well as your policy number and coverage details. Once the storm has passed by, call your agent and file a claim, if necessary. You’ll review the timeframe for processing your claim and the information you’ll need to provide, such as commercial water repair estimates.

2. Hire Trustworthy Contractors

After a hurricane, tornado or other storm disaster, contractors are busy! Not only can it be challenging to find a reputable and qualified vendor, you also have to guard against scammers, who may try to take your money up-front and perform shoddy work—or disappear. Your insurance company may provide the names of approved contractors. Before signing a contract, interview several contractors, compare bids and check credentials with your state and the Better Business Bureau.

It’s a good idea to line up preferred contractors before a storm hits. Know that you can rely on the experienced disaster recovery experts at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield to handle your storm, water, fire or biohazard cleanup quickly and completely.

3. Apply for Federal Aid

Your small business may qualify for federal aid to fund your recovery from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply online. You and your employees may also qualify for disaster aid for unemployment if you have to shut down operations temporarily.

4. Apply for a Disaster Loan

If you need funds to pay for property repairs that are not covered by your insurance, you can apply for an affordable disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). 

5. Get Advice

Reach out to your local government, your local Chamber of Commerce and/or the SBA for post-disaster business counseling.

6. Keep in Touch with Employees and Customers

Keeping your employees and customers aware of your situation is crucial. Start by checking in on your employees (who may have suffered damage to their homes). Once you develop your timeframe and plan for reopening, make sure your employees are fully informed.

Posting updates on your social media pages, updating your website and sending out emails—all dependent on power and internet availability, of course—are all good ways to keep your customers regularly informed of your progress, which will pay off when you open your doors again.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

If your business suffers a storm, fire, water, wind, mold or biohazard disaster, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.633.8791
Fax 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

If your business suffers a storm, fire, water, wind, mold or biohazard disaster, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791