When disaster strikes, will you be ready? Is your business prepared to withstand the effects of an emergency situation, and do you have a plan for recovery?
Unfortunately, natural and man-made disasters are becoming more common, more severe, and can be sudden, unexpected, and completely devastating to business operations. Disasters can even lead to permanent business closures if they are not managed efficiently. As we have now officially entered storm and hurricane season, we are carefully monitoring storm events including hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, rain, intense winds, and the consequential damage that can result. The fallout from storm season can be dangerous, costly, and time-consuming to repair.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that disaster-related losses in the United States in 2019 totaled $25.5 billion. This cost does not include revenue lost from weeks or months of business interruption. According to FEMA, 40% of businesses who aren’t prepared will not reopen after a disaster, and 25% of businesses will close within one year.
Emergency Response & Readiness
Major storm and weather events can completely blindside business owners. By taking simple steps to mitigate risks now, you will be in a better position to withstand the effects of a disaster without having to make split-second decisions that could lead to the wrong action at a critical moment, and to know who to contact to recover quickly.
At Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL), we have over 20 years of experience providing Emergency Services. We quickly mobilize our expert teams and strategic response efforts to protect personnel and minimize property loss to the maximum extent possible. At VCGFL, we are equipped and ready to provide immediate help to businesses, industrial complexes, communities and municipalities that have endured damage from storms and other natural disasters. We specialize in storm damage repairs and emergency services due to hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, flood and fire. We provide debris removal, emergency roof tarping, water, flood and fire mitigation services, damage assessments, repairs and restoration services.
Emergency Services
- 24/7 Emergency Response Services
- Post-Disaster Assessments
- Property Damage Assessments
- Hurricane Related Property Damage Restoration
- Tornado Related Property Damage Restoration
- Hail Related Property Damage Restoration
- Wind Related Property Damage Restoration
- Water & Mold Mitigation
- Fire Related Property Damage Restoration
- Flood Related Property Damage Restoration
- HAZMAT Related Mitigation
- Emergency Cleanup
- Debris Removal
- Roof Emergency Dry-In / Temporary Repairs & Protection
- Commercial/Industrial General Contractor Services: Stucco, EIFS, Siding, Windows, Doors, Framing, Concrete, Specialty Trim, Specialty Wood Work, Flooring, Kitchens, Baths, Drywall, Insulation, Fire Walls, HVAC, Electrical, and more.
- Roofing Repairs & Replacements: TPO, Single Ply, BUR, Foam, Concrete, Tile, Decra, Metal, Aluminum, Asphalt Shingles, Cedar Shake, & PVC Single Ply
- Exteriors/ Interior Remodeling
- 4K / HD / 3D Drone Mapping
Disaster Preparedness
Risk mitigation and preparedness can be the difference between success and failure of your property structure. It’s important to get an annual roof and building envelope inspection and have routine maintenance performed by a licensed, accredited general contractor. By taking some precautionary measures and developing a plan for disaster management, you can save lives, prevent loss, and minimize financial strain from increased downtime. This is vital to the safety of your personnel and the survival of your business.
Disaster Preparedness Checklist
You can’t stop a storm, but you can certainly plan for one. Below is a checklist containing items that will help your business or organization brace for impact if a catastrophic event threatens to head your way.
- Identify your specific risks for disasters based on weather events in your geographic location and business industry.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings of potential threatening weather events in your area, so you’ll be first to know of their trajectory.
- Develop a Business Continuity Plan for dealing with disasters.
- Be sure to also periodically check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to update your emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
- Interview and retain a professional Emergency Response Team that will be on the scene immediately following a disaster to help you get back up and running.
- Schedule annual property inspections with a Licensed General Contractor. If any major or minor issues are detected during your property’s inspection, prioritize making recommended updates.
- Create a list of important contacts that you would need quick access to following a disaster, including utility companies, staff, tenants or residents, vendors, and suppliers.
- Prepare an emergency kit of supplies. Don’t forget to include face coverings and disinfectants to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
- Have copies of site maps, and be familiar with your evacuation routes and designated shelters.
- Review your insurance policies and make updates if necessary.
- Safeguard critical documents including insurance and paperwork that may be needed to request government disaster assistance or property insurance claims.
- Secure equipment and valuables. Be sure you have an inventory list.
- Practice, practice, practice! Get your team involved. For every job there is to do, someone must be designated to do it. Identify key personnel, assign them roles in the event of a disaster, and be sure they know what to do. Meet with staff to review your communication plan, run regular drills, and include your tenants and residents in your plans as well.
- If a disaster occurs, make health and safety your first priority. Stay aware and watch for safety issues that could arise, such as washed-out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors. Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including fires, chemical spills, and downed power lines.
- When faced with a disaster, contact your emergency response team as soon as you and the people you are responsible for are safe.
Finally, keep your checklist and plan handy, and have staff, tenants and residents print these out to keep copies at home and at workspaces. You may also want to post these plans, or summaries of them, in visible areas of your office buildings. Be sure to review these plans and policies at least annually and make revisions as needed.
About Venture Construction Group of Florida
With over 20 years of experience, VCGFL is an award-winning leader in commercial and industrial construction, restoration and emergency services throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Don’t wait for a disaster to destroy your livelihood. Call 1-866-459-8351 now for a free consultation to discuss planning for disasters based on your unique needs.
RESOURCES
Insurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics: U.S. catastrophes
FEMA: Document & Insure Your Property
FEMA: Know Your Alerts & Warnings
Ready.Gov: Business Continuity Plan
Ready.Gov: Preparedness Planning for Your Business
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)