Follow W. Grayson Linkedin Twitter Facebook
Email W. Grayson Email
Financial
Jul 12, 2016

Is Your Commercial Property Prepared For Hurricane Season?

Sponsored Content provided by W. Grayson Powell - Broker, Managing Partner, Coldwell Banker Commercial SunCoast

According to leading forecasters, the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012. The Weather Channel predicts a total of 15 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes for the season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. The best offense against a hurricane is a sound emergency plan for both your home and office. We often talk about preparing our homes for such storms, but what about our offices and commercial properties?
 
A major hurricane can have an immediate impact on the local economy, so it is imperative that area businesses are up and running as soon as possible to mitigate this impact. Here are some tips on how you can work with your property management firm (such as Coldwell Banker Commercial SunCoast) to prepare your business and commercial space against the potential hazards of a hurricane or tropical storm.
 
Plan Early and Often
 
Preparing commercial office buildings, warehouses and shopping centers for storms is a year-round process. Planning with your property management firm should begin in January of each year, months before the threat of a hurricane is imminent. Here are some things to put on your to-do list:

  • Create a written hurricane plan on how to protect your business property and its contents during a hurricane.
  • Inform employees of their specific responsibilities during a storm, as detailed in the hurricane plan.
  • Specify the conditions that must be met for the hurricane plan to be implemented.
  • Plan how to protect, back up and store your computer files and equipment.
  • Review evacuation and emergency response procedures so everyone knows what to expect should an emergency occur.
  • Create a communications plan that details how your property manager will communicate with key personnel before, during and after the storm. Make sure all contact information for staff is up to date.
Review Property Insurance
 
Commercial property owners and managers should annually review a building’s property coverage and understand exactly what is covered in the event of a storm.
  • Does your policy have limitations on coverage by a named tropical storm or hurricane?
  • Do you have or need flood coverage?
  • Do tenants have the insurance coverage required in their leases? Have they provided proof of this insurance (certificates of insurance) to the property manager?
  • Locate and safeguard all important paperwork in advance to expedite quick settlement of claims.
Safeguard Property
 
Routine maintenance of trees, roof and gutters will help to ensure that your property is prepared to withstand the effects of a major storm or hurricane. However, there are a number of storm readiness activities that should also take place immediately once a named storm has formed.
  • Trim trees to remove weakened or decaying limbs that could become projectiles in a high wind. Trim tree limbs away from structures to mitigate wind damage.
  • Clean drains, gutters and downspouts to facilitate water flow during a storm.
  • Remove antennas or loose objects from the roof.
  • Secure all outdoor items such as display racks, signage, trash cans and storage sheds.
  • Inspect windows, doors and roof to ensure they can withstand wind and water.
  • Have fuel on hand for backup generators and test routinely to ensure they are in good operating order.
  • Identify and secure commitments from vendors in advance to assist in repairs and clean up as needed.
 Monitor and Communicate
  • If a named storm has formed and is approaching, stay in contact with your property manager to determine if and when your property should be shut down and tenants and employees sent home.
  • Many property management firms have a 24/7 call center that tenants can call to check on the status of the property and receive ongoing updates.
We cannot always predict the exact direction a storm might take, but we can take the steps needed to ensure that your business and property is prepared to withstand whatever might come your way. Ask your property management firm about its storm preparation plans. Protect your property and your investments and have the correct plan in place to ensure your business can continue to operate even under the most adverse conditions.
 
Grayson Powell is a Managing Partner at Coldwell Banker Commercial SunCoast. CBCSC leverages the vast experience of highly skilled real estate professionals and developers and specialize in selling, leasing and managing retail, commercial, and investment property. To learn more about CBCSC, visit www.cbcwilmington.com or call (910) 350-1200.
 

Propertymanagementad
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Headshotrosaliecalarco 1182131047

The Government is Calling? Think Again!

Untitleddesign2 4523114356

Cybersecurity and Productivity: Striking the Perfect Balance for Business Success

Barrett Earney - EarneyIT
Dave sweyer 300 x 300

Insights into the 2023 Leasing Market in Wilmington, NC: What You Need to Know

Dave Sweyer - Sweyer Property Management

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


INFO JUNKIE: Jack Fleming

Jack Fleming, owner of Socialry Marketing & Scourz and emcee for 1 Million Cups Wilmington, shares his media and tech picks....


MADE: Polyhose Inc.

Polyhose manufactures and fabricates hose protection, paint hose assemblies and rubber hydraulic assemblies from its Pender County facility....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments