Dramatic lightning and thundering.
Summer weather can be unpredictable, and, in many areas, that means a sharp increase in severe storms. Torrential rain, flash flooding, high winds, hurricanes, and even tornadoes can strike with little warning.
For business owners, these conditions aren't just inconvenient; they can shut down operations, damage property, and put people at risk. The good news? A lot of that potential damage can be reduced—or even avoided—by taking some practical steps ahead of time. Here are five ways to get ahead of spring storm season:
1. Identify and fix hidden vulnerabilities
Many summer-related damages aren’t caused by dramatic weather alone—they’re worsened by small, overlooked maintenance issues. Large storms often expose small problems that have been lurking for months.
Walk the property with a critical eye or bring in a facility professional to assess vulnerable areas. Focus on common weak spots: roof seams, foundation cracks, basement entry points, poorly sealed doors and windows, and malfunctioning drainage systems. Clear out gutters and downspouts and ensure water flows away from the building—not toward it. Addressing these issues now can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs later.
2. Train staff before the emergency, not during it
Having an emergency plan is one thing but making sure everyone knows how to follow it under pressure is another. Establish clear roles for team members during a storm event. Who will coordinate evacuation efforts?
Who will contact emergency responders? Who will monitor weather alerts and communicate updates to the team? Hold periodic emergency drills tailored to your specific business environment.
For example, retail employees may need different evacuation routes than warehouse staff. Simulate power outages, blocked exits, and communication breakdowns to see how your plan holds up. The goal isn’t to scare your team, but to empower them with knowledge and confidence when it matters most.
3. Don’t underestimate flood risk
Contrary to popular belief, floods often impact businesses far outside designated floodplains. During summer, when saturated ground meets sudden rainstorms, water can overwhelm city drainage systems, back up into buildings, and cause significant structural and inventory damage.
To protect your property:
- Use flood-resistant building materials. Watertight shields, water-activated barriers, and epoxy sealants can help reduce water penetration.
- Relocate critical assets. Move inventory, servers, and electrical systems off ground level whenever possible, especially if your business is in a low-lying area.
- Consider floodwalls or berms. These physical barriers can redirect water but may require planning and permits.
- Know your elevation. Ensure that key parts of your operation sit at least two feet above the base flood elevation, if feasible. It’s also smart to maintain relationships with local contractors and restoration services like Rainbow Restoration so you’re not scrambling to find help after the fact.
4. Prepare for wind damage before it turns destructive
High winds like ones from hurricanes can wreak havoc in minutes, tearing signage off buildings, shattering windows, uprooting trees, and taking down power lines. If your building’s exterior isn’t reinforced, your business could be vulnerable.
To prepare:
- Inspect roofing materials and make repairs to loose or damaged shingles.
- Anchor or remove exterior signage, awnings, or outdoor furniture that could become airborne.
- Trim tree limbs that hang near your building, windows, or utility lines.
- Secure dumpsters, pallets, or lightweight equipment that might be blown away.
- If you operate in a tornado-prone region, take additional precautions like reinforcing entry doors and windows, or designating interior “safe zones” for sheltering during a tornado warning.
5. Review your commercial insurance & fill in the gaps
Many business owners assume their property insurance will cover any damage that a weather event throws their way. But unfortunately, standard policies often leave critical gaps, especially when it comes to flood and wind damage.
When reviewing your insurance, ask:
- Does your policy cover storm-related water intrusions, such as damage from backed-up drains or heavy rainfall?
- Are your contents insured, including equipment, inventory, and furnishings?
- What’s excluded? Often, vehicles, outdoor fixtures, septic systems, or items stored outdoors are not included in basic coverage.
- Do you have business interruption insurance? This can help cover lost income if you’re forced to close temporarily due to storm damage.
- A conversation with a commercial insurance broker now can save you from financial disaster later.
Proactive beats reactive every time
The threat of summer storms may be seasonal, but the impact can be long-lasting. Instead of reacting after the damage is done, take a proactive approach: identify vulnerabilities, train your team, understand your flood risk, prepare for wind damage, and make sure your insurance coverage matches your actual risk.
By investing a little time and effort now, you can help protect your business, safeguard your employees, and maintain continuity, even when the weather is anything but predictable.
Steve joined the Rainbow Restoration team near the end of 2022 as the Vice President of Operations. Steve has spent most of the past 20 years working in the franchise space, leading teams, and helping franchise owners achieve profitability goals. Steve has worked for both large and startup franchise companies. Along with his wife Callie, Steve has been a multi-unit, multi-concept franchise owner himself, so he brings a unique perspective to the relationship their franchise owners have with the Rainbow Home Office. Outside of work, Steve has a passion for travel and enjoys trying the local favorite restaurants and foods in each city he visits.
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