Though hurricane season officially starts each year on June 1st, at Seacoast Construction, we think about hurricane season all year long. After all, constructing commercial buildings that can withstand the strongest winds and storms is part and parcel to what we do each and every day as South Florida contractors.

Whether preparing one of our construction sites for hurricane season or resuming work after a natural disaster strikes, a lot of planning and preparation goes into ensuring our sites and builds are protected both during and after construction.

With storm season upon us, it’s useful to start thinking now about how you can best protect your commercial buildings from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Here are some important reminders:

• Complete a building inspection and take care of any past-due maintenance and repairs needed to strengthen and protect your building. Upgrading to impact glass windows is one important place to start. Depending on where your property is located, you may be at elevated risk for flooding and storm surge damage as well. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center provides helpful information for evaluating how susceptible your property may be to resulting water and storm damage.
• Prepare emergency response plans. If you don’t have a disaster response plan in place, take the time now to create one or conduct an audit on an existing one. Document your plan for how you will protect your property and employees in the event of a natural disaster and review it annually. It’s also useful to review your company’s insurance policy and take photos and video footage of your property to have on record in case you need to file a claim.
• Test any systems or back-up equipment and ensure supplies are well-stocked. This may include generators, sandbags, tools, fuel, and other supplies specific to your business.
• As the storm approaches, secure interior and exterior property. This includes windows, electronics, any exterior signage, and moving equipment and furniture away from the windows. Also turn off electricity before you leave.
• Enact communication plans. Make sure employees know the processes and procedures before, during, and after the storm and that they stay well informed about when it is safe to return to the building.

We’re all susceptible to the damage a natural disaster can inflict. Make sure you keep your commercial building as protected as possible by taking precautionary measures before the storm and continuing to follow good safety standards during recovery.

If you have questions about the best ways to protect your property during a major storm, give us a call at 786-433-8740.