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In addition to tragic human suffering, hurricanes pose a real threat to the economy. Unless business owners know what to do to return to normalcy, residents may not feel the storm’s true impact until months later, as they face still-closed businesses and unexpected price inflation. Mental health professionals also recommend a quick reopening of businesses to bring a sense of normalcy to affected areas. Businesses can help by being prepared for emergencies, and returning to “business as normal” as quickly as possible.

While a hurricane’s winds and rain are detrimental enough, the storm surge that follows generally causes most of the flood damage. A storm surge is created when a hurricane can be worse than the force of 120-mile-per-hour winds. This is bad news for the 4.2 million residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and the $1.1 trillion of property that is vulnerable to severe flood damage. As if that isn’t bad enough, over half of the U.S.’s economic productivity is along coastal zones. While floods are unpredictable and unpreventable, you can prepare now to reduce resulting damage drives water ashore, and the impact of the waves in the future.

When the warm weather arrives, winter snow melts and spring rain follows. While this combination prompts nature to produce lush greenery, it also heightens the risk of flooding. Disaster preparedness plans should include steps to remedy water damage as soon as possible because quick action can save a company up to 40 percent on water damage restoration costs. To prevent further damage from ensuing, take action immediately after a disaster with these simple steps before professional help arrives.

When you work in the hospitality industry, guest satisfaction should not be alone at the top of your list of priorities; no doubt that guest safety and comfort are at the top of the list, too. The most common incidents that warrant property damage restoration in the industry include water damage and fires. From natural disasters to malfunctioning sprinklers to flames produced by burned popcorn in a microwave, knowing how to prepare and recover from damage will help keep everyone safe and keep your doors open to guests with minimal downtime.

Be prepared for Hurricane Arthur, and associated storm activity as we move into Fourth of July weekend. Hurricane Arthur is expected to most strongly affect the North Carolina coast including areas surrounding Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, then will potentially bring heavy rains to areas of New England and Cape Cod. Make sure to prepare your businesses and homes prior to the storm, and be ready to take action if damage occurs to your facilities.