Prepare Your Facility for Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

By - Krystle Elswick
Thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and heavy rains are common weather events that can cause severe damage to facilities. From roof leaks to broken windows and flooded basements, these storms can disrupt operations, hurt your bottom line, and impact your brand's reputation.
More importantly, extreme weather events can pose serious safety risks to both your employees and customers. As a facilities manager, ensuring your facilities are prepared for these extreme weather events is essential to minimize downtime, protect your property, and prioritize the safety of everyone inside your facility.
Preparing Your Facilities for Extreme Weather
When it comes to preparing your facility for thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, there are a few proactive steps you can take. The key is to stay up to date on preventative maintenance so you are prepared long before the storm hits. Here are the essential steps to fortify your property:
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Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Heavy rains and hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofs if they are not properly maintained. Make sure your roof is inspected regularly to identify any potential weak spots, missing shingles, or cracks. Roof leaks not only lead to water damage but can also create the perfect environment for harmful growth like mold and mildew, which can compromise air quality and cause further structural damage. Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure they can efficiently carry water away from your facility during a storm and prevent water from pooling around the building’s foundation. -
Check Windows and Doors
Tornadoes and strong winds can shatter windows and doors, allowing rain to enter and cause significant damage to your property. Reinforce windows with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass, and ensure doors close securely. Install weather stripping to prevent drafts and water leaks. -
Secure Outdoor Equipment
If your facility has outdoor signage, furniture, or other equipment, ensure everything is securely anchored or stored away. High winds and hail can easily turn loose objects into dangerous projectiles that can damage your building or injure individuals.
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Clear Drains and Keep Landscaping in Check
To prevent flooding, make sure outdoor drains are cleared of debris and landscaping is maintained. Overgrown trees, especially with weak branches, can pose a risk during storms. Keep tree limbs trimmed and away from the building. -
Review Your Emergency Plan
Ensure your emergency procedures are up to date. Have an evacuation plan in place for your team, and make sure all employees know how to respond if a tornado or other severe weather hits. It’s important to practice these procedures regularly.
Storm Damage Cleanup: How DAVACO Can Help
Despite your best efforts to prepare, sometimes storms are just too strong to prevent damage. When disaster strikes, the aftermath of a thunderstorm, hail, or tornado can leave your facility with significant debris, structural damage, and flooding. That's where DAVACO’s facilities maintenance services come in.
Our team of experts is equipped to handle storm damage cleanup efficiently, ensuring that your facility gets back to normal as quickly as possible. We offer a range of services, including:
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Emergency Water Extraction and Drying
After heavy rain or flooding, our team can quickly remove water from the affected areas and dry out your facility to prevent mold and mildew growth. -
Water Diversion
If your facility is at risk of flooding, we can install temporary or permanent water diversion solutions to redirect water away from the building, minimizing damage. -
Debris Removal
We remove fallen branches, debris, and other hazardous materials from your property, keeping it safe and clear for both your employees and customers. -
Roof and Structural Repairs
If your roof or structure has been compromised, our team can quickly assess the damage and begin repairs to prevent further issues. -
Window and Glass Replacement
If your facility’s windows have been shattered during a storm, we can replace them quickly and efficiently, restoring the security and safety of your property.
The DAVACO Difference in Facilities Maintenance
At DAVACO, we understand the urgency that storm damage brings, and we are committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for your facility. With our nationwide coverage, we are equipped to handle storm damage cleanup for facilities of all sizes across the country, no matter where the storm hits.
Our dedicated facilities maintenance team will work with you to create a custom storm preparedness plan to ensure your property remains safe during extreme weather events. And, should disaster strike, we’ll be there to restore your facility quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and getting your business back on track.
Protect Your Facilities from Thunderstorms and Tornadoes with DAVACO
Thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, heavy rain and wind can wreak havoc, but with the right preparation and facilities maintenance plan, you can protect your multisite commercial locations and ensure minimal disruption. By taking proactive steps to reinforce your building and having a trusted partner like DAVACO on your side, you can be confident that your property is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
To get started on fortifying your facility and preparing for storm season, contact DAVACO today to learn more about our storm preparedness and cleanup services.