Twister Trouble? Get Your Wichita Business Tornado-Ready!
When you live in Wichita, KS, you know that storms are practically a way of life. Tornadoes are part of the deal here in the Heartland. Sure, they can be pretty wild to watch (from a safe distance, of course), but they’re no joke when it comes to keeping your business and your people safe.
If you’re a Wichita business owner, tornado season isn’t something you can afford to ignore. Getting prepared now means protecting your assets, your employees, and keeping your business running, even when the wind starts howling.
Tornadoes and Wichita: A Stormy Relationship
Wichita, sitting in the heart of Tornado Alley, is no stranger to severe storms. Kansas, in general, experiences its fair share of tornadoes, with Wichita seeing a fair amount of action year after year. From the infamous Andover tornado in 1991, which caused significant damage in the region, to more recent twisters, we know the destruction a tornado can bring. It’s important to recognize that while you can’t control the weather, you can control how prepared you are to respond.
In fact, Wichita businesses have learned firsthand the challenges of tornado damage and the long recovery process. That’s why knowing business safety tips for tornadoes is so crucial. Not only can these storms disrupt your daily operations, but they can also cause irreparable damage if you aren’t ready.
Stay One Step Ahead: Developing a Your Tornado Preparedness Plan
When it comes to tornado season in Wichita, having a plan in place is your first line of defense. Think of it like prepping for a big game. You wouldn’t just show up without a strategy, right? The same goes for protecting your business and your people when the wind starts howling. Your goal is to create a tornado plan so rock-solid that even Mother Nature is impressed!
Risk Assessment
First things first, assess the structural integrity of your business. Can your building withstand high winds and flying debris? Have a professional inspection to identify weak points that could compromise your building in the event of a tornado. Pay particular attention to windows, roofs, and doors—areas that often take the brunt of the damage. Also, find safe zones within your business premises. It’s essential to have a designated tornado shelter, preferably an interior room or basement, far from windows.
Emergency Communication
It’s vital to set up a clear communication system. You can’t wait until the last minute to warn your staff. Set up a reliable way to receive and alert your employees of tornado warnings, whether it’s through an emergency alert system, a dedicated app, or a community messaging group. Make sure all employees are on the list and have up-to-date contact info for everyone. Clear and timely communication is key to keeping everyone safe.
Employee Training
Safety isn’t just about the building—it’s about the people in it. Conduct regular tornado drills, and make sure every employee knows the tornado warning signs. You’d be surprised how many people don’t recognize the early stages of a storm. From strange, still air to the ominous green skies, employees should know when it’s time to take action.
Lock It Down: Keeping Your Stuff Safe from the Storm
When a tornado touches down, your building and everything inside is at risk. From valuable equipment to crucial data, protecting your assets means thinking ahead.
Here are some business safety tips for tornadoes to help keep your valuable items safe.
Data Backup
One of the most vulnerable parts of your business during a tornado is your data. Make sure to back up critical files regularly and store them in a secure, off-site location. Cloud storage or a remote server are great options for protecting your business information. If disaster strikes, you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off.
Inventory Management
Taking an inventory of all your assets is another crucial step. Document your equipment, furniture, inventory, and even the smaller details, like décor or office supplies. Photos, valuations, and lists of serial numbers will make insurance claims go much more smoothly, ensuring you don’t miss out on any reimbursement you’re entitled to.
Remember, protecting your physical assets is more than just insurance. It’s about making sure you’re not starting from scratch if disaster strikes.
How to Keep Things Rolling After a Storm
Okay, so your team is safe, and your assets are protected. Now what? Even if your business takes a hit, you don’t have to hit pause entirely. Wichita is resilient, and your business should be, too.
Use these tornado safety tips for businesses to make sure you can keep moving forward.
Alternative Operations
Even if your business location gets damaged, that doesn’t mean your operations need to stop. Have a plan in place for alternative operations. Can you work remotely? Is there a nearby facility that can temporarily house your business? By preparing ahead of time, you can keep your business running, even if you can’t access your primary location.
Insurance Coverage
Don’t assume your current insurance policy will cover tornado damage. Review your policy to make sure you’re adequately covered. Talk with your insurance agent about tornado-specific coverage, such as damage from wind, hail, and debris, and make sure it aligns with your business’s needs.
By planning ahead, your business can stay a staple of the community, rain or shine (or twister).
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Wichita Support Squad
As a Wichita business owner, you know that community is everything. When disaster strikes, it’s okay to lean on the people around you who’ve got your back. From local emergency services to community groups and business associations, there’s a whole network of support right here. Organizations like the Wichita Chamber of Commerce are places where neighbors come together to share resources, swap advice, and lift each other up.
By staying connected with fellow business owners and community leaders, you’re building relationships that will see you through recovery and beyond. Don’t face these natural disaster challenges alone. We can get through them together!
How ServiceMaster Can Help You Bounce Back from a Tornado
We know the drill. Tornadoes are a real threat to businesses in Wichita, and at ServiceMaster DSI, we’re ready to help. With years of experience in disaster restoration, we dedicated our lives to helping businesses prepare for and recover from tornadoes and other severe weather events. Our 24/7 emergency response team is ready to jump into action to fix up your property and get your business running as quickly as possible.
We’ve got disaster recovery down to a science, tailored just for Wichita businesses. Whether you need emergency board-ups, water cleanup, or a complete rebuild, we’re on it, quickly and efficiently. Let us help you build a strong tornado preparedness plan and be the partner you need during recovery.
Don’t Let the Storm Blow You Off Course—Prepare Your Business Today!
Tornadoes are an inevitable part of life in Wichita, but that doesn’t mean your business needs to be at risk. By taking proactive steps today, like developing a preparedness plan, backing up data, and securing your assets, you can make sure your business is tornado-ready and able to withstand whatever comes your way.
It’s time to take control of your safety and prepare for the storm ahead. Put these tornado safety tips for businesses into action, and protect your employees, goods, and community. And remember, if disaster strikes, ServiceMaster DSI in Wichita is here to help you rebuild and recover, faster than you thought possible.
