May 31, 2022
We’ve all heard about climate change, but it’s more than just hotter summers and chilly winters. Climate change shows up with storms, floods, wildfires, and even droughts. These events don’t just create a mess for the planet. They’re bad news for properties, especially businesses that rely on physical spaces to operate.
Let’s not kid ourselves: buildings, equipment, and inventory don’t do well in a flood, and no one enjoys waking up to find the office roof in the neighbour’s backyard after a storm.
So, what does all this mean for businesses, and how can they prepare for the growing risk of property damage? Let's break it down.
We don’t need to pull out a crystal ball to see the future. Just look outside. In the last few years, extreme weather events have been on the rise.
According to a few casual chats with weather reports (and, you know, scientific data), storms are stronger, wildfires spread faster, and heatwaves are longer. Each of these events can wreak havoc on properties, especially for businesses that operate in climate-sensitive areas.
Flooding seems to be the biggest villain in the lineup, with rising sea levels pushing water into places it doesn't belong. You could argue that nobody wants an indoor pool in their office building. Especially not one that wasn't planned. In coastal areas, hurricanes and tropical storms have made it even worse, causing billions in damage to commercial properties.
Wildfires? They’re not just camping trip nightmares. With longer dry seasons, fires can spread faster and hit urban areas, leaving businesses in ashes. Literally. If that’s not enough, extreme weather brings hurricanes, tornadoes, and intense storms to the mix. You know the ones ripping off roofs, smashing windows, and tossing cars like frisbees.
Let’s get real: property damage can sink a business faster than a leaky boat in a hurricane.
When you depend on physical spaces for operations, whether it’s an office, warehouse, or retail store, any damage means downtime, lost inventory, and potentially thousands, if not millions, in repairs. It also leads to secondary losses like employee productivity drops, supply chain disruptions, and client dissatisfaction.
For small and medium businesses, the cost of repairs alone can push them out of business. A strong storm could wipe out years of growth and investment in just a few hours. Large corporations might have more funds to recover, but they still suffer huge losses that can disrupt their operations, especially in heavily impacted areas.
Imagine this: you run a retail business and a storm floods your warehouse. Water ruins your inventory, delays shipments, and customers start complaining about orders. And no, a joke about sending scuba gear with their purchase won’t smooth that over.
So, what’s a business to do? We can’t stop hurricanes, floods, or fires, but we can prepare. Here’s how businesses can brace themselves for the impact of climate change.
You know that saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know?” Well, you definitely need to know your property’s risks when it comes to climate change. Start by evaluating where your business is located. Are you near a floodplain? Is your building in a region prone to wildfires or hurricanes? If you’re on the coast, have you considered rising sea levels?
Take inventory of the risks specific to your area and the structural vulnerabilities of your property. If you’ve got a basement warehouse in a flood zone, you might want to rethink that storage plan. And if your business is in a wildfire-prone area, fire-resistant building materials should be top of mind.
Once you know your risks, it’s time to upgrade your property. No one wants to deal with property damage, but sometimes the best offence is a good defence. Make structural improvements that can withstand severe weather. Consider flood barriers for buildings in flood zones or reinforce windows and roofs in hurricane-prone areas.
Don’t skimp on fireproofing either. It’s like insurance for your building, only better. Metal roofs, fire-retardant insulation, and materials that are less likely to catch fire can prevent major destruction when a wildfire comes knocking (or rather, roaring).
It’s all fun and games until the power goes out. Don’t forget that climate change events can knock out utilities for days or even weeks. Having backup generators, secure water sources, and emergency kits on-site can keep your business running when the lights go out. Plus, it shows your employees you’re thinking ahead.
Ensure your essential equipment like servers, electrical systems, and communication lines are located in places that aren’t easy targets for floods or other weather-related disasters. You’ll thank yourself later when your competitors are scrambling to recover lost data.
Technology is your friend when preparing for climate risks. Smart systems can monitor weather patterns, provide real-time updates, and help you activate preventive measures before disaster strikes. We’ve come a long way from relying on weather forecasts from the evening news.
For example, flood sensors, fire alarms with remote monitoring, and even temperature control systems can reduce the impact of extreme weather on your property. It’s like giving your building a digital shield.
This should go without saying, but insurance matters. Especially when it comes to climate change. Don’t assume your standard business insurance covers every possible disaster. Look into policies that cover flood, fire, and other climate-related damages specific to your area.
Sure, the premiums might make you wince, but think of it this way: it’s much cheaper than rebuilding your business from scratch. And yes, calling your insurer every other week to check your coverage is annoying, but it’s better than discovering a loophole in your policy after a hurricane hits.
No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but a little planning goes a long way. Set up contingency plans in case of property damage. Consider temporary workspaces, remote working options, and backup suppliers if your usual resources become unavailable due to a disaster. This plan doesn’t just keep the lights on, it keeps customers happy and the revenue flowing.
You know the drill: a stitch in time saves nine. Or in business terms, planning ahead can prevent massive losses and customer churn when the unexpected happens.
To mitigate property damage effectively, businesses can benefit from the expertise of Belfor property restoration, a leader in disaster recovery services. Their comprehensive solutions offer critical support for businesses affected by floods, fires, and other climate-related events.
Businesses can’t afford to ignore the growing risks of climate change. The impact on property is just one piece of the puzzle. As climate-related events increase in frequency and severity, being unprepared could cost businesses their livelihoods.
The good news? While you can’t control the weather, you can control how you respond to it. With proper planning, technology, and a solid risk assessment, businesses can reduce the damage caused by climate change and ensure they stay standing.
At the end of the day, preparing your property for climate change is just smart business. It’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about building a business strong enough to weather it.
And hey, if that means installing storm shutters and fireproofing your office, consider it an investment in your company’s future. Plus, they give your building that “we mean business” look!
Climate change is no longer some distant concept. It’s happening, and it’s affecting how businesses operate. Preparing for property damage caused by floods, fires, and extreme weather isn’t just a smart move, it’s a necessary one.
Take steps now to assess your risks, upgrade your infrastructure, and ensure your business has the right insurance and contingency plans in place. If you don’t, well, you might just find yourself swimming to work one day.
