Rhode Island stores devastated by floodwaters

A week of heavy rains in Rhode Island caused major floods and a crisis to retail stores and business. The Warwick Mall, its 70 stores, and stores in the surrounding area are closed for business indefinitely. The mall’s website states on its homepage:

“…The cleaning process has begun and we will re-open as soon as we can. Stay tuned for the future Grand Re-Opening of the Warwick Mall.

Store managers will be granted access to their space accompanied by their cleaning contractors beginning Monday, April 5th, to retrieve any valuables. Please check-in at our temporary office at RI Costume. Only 1-2 managers per store will be allowed access at the same time and access will be granted one time only. Please wear boots (ankle coverage). Picture I.D. required. Phone is 739-7500 or 739-8880.”

“The Providence Journal” reports clean-up efforts could take several weeks to months, especially in the area of Bald Hill Road, and it could take just as long to know to total cost of all the damages the state has suffered. However, the national retail chains affected by the floodwaters are well prepared for such disasters as this as they often have flood insurance to cover their losses, and have established business continuity plans. The publication adds:

“After the water retreats and the area is sanitized, equipment must be checked, owners must obtain building permits and rebuild damaged areas, while the Health Department must sign off on inspections. Backlogs are a dreary inevitability.”

Business owners effected by the recent Rhode Island floods, in order to ensure a successful recovery, should immediately contact a disaster recovery service, repair equipment, recover data, and secure cash flow through a business continuity plan.