Owning a business in Maryland means keeping an eye on the skies, especially during hurricane season. From late spring through early fall, the weather can turn quickly. One minute it's business as usual, and the next, you're facing heavy rains, flash floods, or the outer bands of a tropical storm rolling through. For businesses near rivers, low-lying areas, or older infrastructure, the risk of storm damage is a real and recurring challenge.
That’s why storm preparation isn’t just a precaution, it’s part of doing business in this region. Pre-loss planning helps protect your property, your staff, and your ability to bounce back quickly. With the right response plan in place, you’ll be ready to act fast and minimize damage when the next big storm hits.
Why Frederick Businesses Need an Emergency Storm & Flood Response Plan
The greater Frederick area is susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Neighborhoods near the Monocacy River and smaller tributaries may find themselves with frequent commercial water damage issues. Because of this, having a reliable restoration company on your side is the best way to quickly get your business back on its feet after a natural disaster.
Key Components of a Storm & Flood Response Plan for Businesses
- Flood Barriers and Sandbags: Temporary flood barriers can block water from seeping through entryways. If you do not have access to plastic, metal, or inflatable flood barriers, sandbags are a reliable way to protect your property from water intrusion.
- Waterproofing and Sealing Vulnerable Areas: Water can enter your home through doors, windows, and other crevices that lead into your home. Waterproof your basements and fully secure your entry points to minimize the risk of water penetration.
- Storm Drains and Gutters: Clogged gutters and drain blockages can prevent water from flowing away from your business’s premises. During a storm, this may lead to water backups that damage the interior and exterior of your residence. We ensure drains and gutters are clear to allow for proper water flow.
- Emergency Power Sources: Backup generators can prevent interruptions to your business’s day-to-day operation. Depending on your industry, having a backup power source is essential. Install a backup power supply to keep critical operations running in the event of an emergency.
- Employee Training and Safety Protocols: It is vitally important that business owners train their staff in emergency evacuation and response procedures. If a flood occurs in your commercial space, keeping a calm head can be the difference between safe evacuations and complete chaos.
- Insurance and Documentation: Business owners are encouraged to be aware of their insurance policies. If your commercial building is insured, it is your responsibility to understand your coverage before submitting a claim. Review your insurance coverage to ensure it covers water and flood damage, and don’t hesitate to contact your company if you have questions about your coverage.
Steps to Take if Damage Occurs: Immediate Actions
Commercial damage is a problem that can harm employees and customers. If damage has occurred in your business, the first thing you should do is ensure the safety of your patrons. Have an emergency evacuation plan in place to ensure everyone can safely vacate the building. Turn off electrical systems to prevent electrical hazards and have a professional restoration company on call to provide damage mitigation services.
If your business is affected by commercial damage, the next step is to document the damage. Business owners should immediately videotape and photograph evidence of commercial water damage. This will be essential when it is time to submit your insurance claim.
Business owners should contact a commercial restoration service once they are ready to begin repairing and reconstructing their properties. Secondary damage can quickly occur if storm damage is not addressed in a timely manner. Timely response to water intrusion and storm-related damages can prevent further damage and additional repair costs.
How ServiceMaster Restoration of Frederick and Washington Counties Can Assist with Emergency Preparedness and Storm Damage
Our storm damage restoration services provide local property owners with customized storm and flood response plans. No two instances of storm damage are identical, and if a tropical storm decimates your business and damages essential materials, you deserve a restoration that meets your unique needs. Our licensed and certified technicians have years of local storm damage restoration experience, and we quickly address urgent damages that require immediate assistance.
If your business is affected by high wind speeds or water intrusion, our expert storm damage restoration services can rehabilitate your commercial building. We repair damaged roofs, water leaks, and many other forms of commercial water damage. We work around the clock to provide emergency water extraction services, flood cleanup, and other complications that arise from inclement weather.
Quickly responding to storm damage is the best way to avoid long-term structural damage, and our technicians are ready to help rehabilitate your damaged building. We provide long-term water damage solutions that protect commercial buildings from extensive damage and costly repairs.
Call us Today for Emergency Water Extraction Service
Having a storm and flood response plan in place can protect your commercial building from costly damage that results in business closures. If you need assistance with preparing your business for a tropical storm or restoring your damaged property, ServiceMaster Restoration of Frederick and Washington Counties is here to help. Call us today to begin developing your storm and flood response strategy.
