Severe Weather and Property Protection Strategies for Businesses

Severe weather can create problems for a business long after the storm has passed. High winds, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and power outages can damage a facility, interrupt operations, and leave property vulnerable.

Business owners cannot control the weather, but they can prepare for it. A good severe weather plan should address employee safety as well as the security of the building, equipment, inventory, and other important assets.

Taking a few steps before storm season can make it easier to protect your property and recover afterward.

Identify the Risks Around Your Property

Start by looking at the specific risks your facility may face.

Inspect exterior doors, windows, gates, loading areas, fences, and other access points. Look for areas where water could enter or strong winds could cause damage. Outdoor signs, equipment, furniture, and other loose objects should also be secured before severe weather arrives.

The risks will vary by property. An office building may have different concerns than a warehouse, retail store, or industrial facility. Your plan should reflect the layout and needs of your specific location.

Have a Severe Weather Plan

Employees should know what to do when dangerous weather threatens.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that businesses prepare in advance for severe weather. For hurricanes, OSHA advises businesses to have an evacuation plan that addresses when the plan will be activated, who is responsible for emergency duties, evacuation routes and exits, and procedures for accounting for employees, customers, and visitors.

Businesses can review OSHA’s Hurricane Preparedness and Response guidance when developing their own severe weather procedures.

Your plan should also identify who has authority to close the facility, who will secure important areas, and how employees will receive updates.

Prepare Security Systems for Power Outages

Power outages are common during severe storms, and they can affect more than the lights.

Before storm season, review how your security equipment will operate if normal power or internet service is interrupted. This may include:

• Intrusion alarm systems
• Access control systems
• Security cameras
• Fire alarm equipment
• Electronic locks
• Communication equipment

Find out which systems have backup power and how long that backup is expected to operate. Batteries and other backup equipment should be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer and service recommendations.

If you are unsure how your security system handles an outage, talk with your security provider before severe weather is in the forecast.

Secure the Facility Before Closing

If a storm forces your business to close, do not treat it like the end of a normal workday.

If conditions allow, confirm that exterior doors and windows are secured. Check gates, loading docks, storage areas, and other access points. Valuable equipment and sensitive materials should be moved away from vulnerable areas when appropriate.

Arm intrusion alarms and make sure security cameras are operating before the last authorized employee leaves.

A professionally monitored security system can be especially valuable when a property is vacant. If an alarm signal occurs while employees are away, monitoring provides another layer of response according to the system and monitoring procedures.

To learn more about commercial security solutions for businesses, visit our site.

Use Cameras to Maintain Awareness

Security cameras can help businesses keep an eye on the property when employees cannot safely be there.

Depending on your system and available connectivity, remote access may allow authorized users to check cameras after evacuating or closing the facility.

Cameras can also provide useful information after the storm. Recorded video may help you determine when damage occurred, review activity around the property, or identify areas that need immediate attention.

Before severe weather arrives, make sure important camera views are not blocked, and outdoor equipment is securely mounted.

Be Careful When Returning After a Storm

Do not rush employees back into a damaged facility.

OSHA warns that workers involved in storm recovery can face hazards such as downed electrical lines, sharp debris, unstable structures, and dangers associated with generators and other recovery equipment.

Wait until conditions are safe before inspecting the property. If the building has significant structural, electrical, fire, or flood damage, appropriate professionals may need to evaluate it before normal operations resume.

Once it is safe, inspect your security equipment as well. Check cameras, door contacts, motion detectors, access control readers, alarm panels, and other equipment for visible damage.

Restore Security Before Returning to Normal

Storm damage can create new security weaknesses.

A damaged door may no longer lock correctly. A camera may have shifted. A gate may not close. A sensor may have been damaged by water or debris.

Test your security systems once power and communication services are stable. Confirm that cameras are online, alarms are functioning, and access control systems are operating as expected.

Address security problems before reopening areas of the property whenever possible.

Make Security Part of Your Severe Weather Strategy

Severe weather preparation should protect both people and property. A strong plan considers what happens before the storm, how the facility will remain secure while it is closed, and what needs to be checked before employees and customers return.

Cultris Security Systems can help businesses prepare with commercial security cameras, access control, intrusion detection, alarm monitoring, and other security solutions designed around the needs of the facility. Call 281-506-8466 or reach us online at www.cultrissecurity.com to discuss ways to strengthen your property’s security before the next storm.