In Florida, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has 80 years of hurricane data that shows peak activity is typically August–October. Floridians know firsthand how active the storm season can be during these months.

We just experienced a big hurricane with Idalia, and Hurd is hoping everyone in its path was able to stay safe. In this blog, we provide some suggestions to aid the recovery process, and help you better prepare your commercial property for future storms.

During severe storms construction sites are particularly vulnerable to damage. Hurricane force winds can transform loose materials and debris into projectiles. Heavy rain can saturate and ruin exposed materials, and water can flood unfinished structures eventually causing mold or rot. Storms can also damage equipment or wash away tools.

Protect Your Construction Site Before the Storm

It might be too late for Idalia, but there will always be storms in Florida’s future. With shored structures, partially secured walls could be at high risk for collapse from high winds. A storm surge can flood and damage low-lying structures, foundations, and retaining walls. Cranes and other equipment can collapse or be damaged by strong winds or flying debris.

According to Akerman Law, “In the last 30 years, local counties and cities, including Miami-Dade County, Bradenton, Venice, St. Pete Beach, and West Palm Beach, have enacted legislation punishing contractors (and project owners) for failing to secure their sites during the threat of a tropical storm or hurricane.”

Ackerman goes on to explain that contractors must be aware of specific local legal requirements; pleading ignorance won’t cut it. Best practice is to fully secure the project site at least 24-48 hours prior to any predicted landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane.

Some precautionary measures include:

• Making sure construction materials stockpiled at the site (such as boards, bricks, etc.) are banded together and fastened to a secure structure.
• Removing construction materials (such as loose roofing tiles) from the tops of structures and securing to them the ground.
• Storing construction materials inside the structures (if structures are secure from wind loads) or removing the materials entirely from the site and temporarily keeping them elsewhere.
• Removing construction site dumpsters in advance of the storm, and if this isn’t possible to ensure they are weighed down, secured to a structure, and covered with mesh or other durable, wind resistant material.
• Secure portable toilets to the structure, or properly empty them and lay them horizontally before securing them to the ground.

Be prepared before the storm; get more information on how to protect your worksite.

Steps to Take to File an Insurance Claim for Commercial Property Damage After a Hurricane

Even though the NOAA predicted 2023 to be a relatively calm year for severe storms (and it has been thus far) September and October are likely to be more active. In many areas of Florida, we’ve already endured record-breaking temperatures and multiple heat advisories. Abnormally dry conditions weaken root systems, which means winds much lower than hurricane standards can knock trees down and ruin your roofing.

If your commercial property is already built out and fully operational, there are still preparations to be made to protect your physical building(s).

Additionally, before you suffer storm damage, be sure you’re prepared to take these important steps outlined by Lockton Global insurance. As soon as it’s safe to go outside and survey your building(s), take action right away to increase your chances of recovering your losses—and of expediting the claim process, so you can more quickly pay for repair costs:

• Immediately report a loss. Be broad in describing the type and extent of damage suffered, and specify the date of a loss and any affected locations.
• Put your claim team into action. This team may include your risk manager, your broker’s property claim advocate, and several department heads within your organization.
• Document physical damage. Photos, videos, news reports, and social media posts can all be useful. One best practice is to create accounting codes to track any expenses you’ve incurred to recover.
• Assess damage, disruptions, and financial impacts. Consider the possible impact of a storm on your inventory, supplies, finished products, in-progress work, and sales/wages/income. And understand that a complete restoration of your business may take time.

How to Repair Commercial Property Damage

To help accelerate the repair timeline, consider hiring HURD for your commercial construction needs. If your office, retail, or restaurant building has been damaged in a storm, and you need a trusted professional to oversee the repairs and renovations- look no further.

As a construction manager, HURD gives you immediate professional planning support, plus continued expertise and assistance throughout the renovation process.

For future protection, consider HURD’s comprehensive facility maintenance and repair programs for your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, interior and exterior, roofing, and more! Our ongoing maintenance programs ensure proactive upkeep and support for unexpected repairs.

To put HURD’s strengths to work for you, contact us today.