Keep Business, Employees Before and After a Severe Storm

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Be ready for Severe Storms by Following These Tips. If you have more questions, just contact us.

Severe weather may happen anytime in Clearfield, UT. For businesses, protecting assets and employees means being prepared prior to the rain storm arriving. Once the bad weather hits, it's vital to follow recommended safety precautions to minimize risk.

Building Maintenance Before a Storm

From high winds to lightning strikes, a building takes a beating during harsh weather. While it may be easy to forget when the weather is nice, regular maintenance and repairs are vital to the structure withstanding Mother Nature’s wrath. Below are a few tips to help reinforce your property.

Roof Maintenance:

Regular inspections are needed regardless of what type of roof your building has. Even less severe weather may begin to cause damage that will quickly become much worse during a severe rain storm. If any leaks or visible damage is detected, get it repaired immediately to avoid the need for costly repairs.

Secure Windows and Doors:

One broken seal may mean excessive water getting into places it shouldn’t. Regularly inspect seals, caulking, hinges and other hardware to ensure that the building is secure. Any signs of warping or rusting are indicators that these features may be compromised.

Landscaping:

If your property has any trees, ensure they are trimmed to avoid a branch falling on the roof or bursting into a window. Regularly check that gutters are free of debris and properly draining. Along with adding an aesthetic, planting bushes and plants may help absorb some of the excess water from a storm.

Lightning Protection System:

If a bolt of lightning hits your structure, or even nearby, it may produce a surge of power that may turn into a power outage or cause a fire. Strong winds may also cut the power. A protection system is designed to help handle those surges, helping to keep business running as usual and preventing a fire from breaking out.

HVAC Protection:

Hail is a common product of a storm, which means your HVAC system may get damaged. There are hail mesh, shields and guards that can be installed to prevent that from happening. These added layers should also be regularly checked. Also, ensure that whichever you choose is properly installed to resist wind.

Follow Safety Guidelines During a Thunderstorm

As secure as the structure may be, severe weather still requires making the safety of everyone around a priority. To help protect employees and anyone else on-site, staying inside is essential. It is recommended that people stay indoors for a minimum of 30 minutes after thunder is heard.

Additional safety tips include:

• Ensure windows and doors are tightly shut.
• Do not use ungrounded electrical equipment, including televisions and radios that are not battery powered.
• Try staying in an area away from windows.
• Since lightning is able to travel through pipes, stay away from water.
• Minimize contact with concrete, which is reinforced with metal bars or wires.

A rain storm comes with much more than excessive moisture, all of which can cause damage to a building. By taking steps to ensure your building is secure, it makes weathering the bad weather easier and safer.