If a natural disaster strikes your business, the future becomes downright frightening. In fact, experts estimate that one in four companies fail to reopen after skies clear. What can your management team do to ensure your business reopens without lasting damage to staff, revenue, productivity and customer loyalty?
“Natural disasters usually strike very large areas,” says John Reasoner, Director of Catastrophe Services at Paul Davis Restoration, who says extreme events are rapidly increasing in strength and frequency, “A wildfire affects thousands of people. Floods wash away the infrastructure of entire towns. Straight line winds destroy swaths hundreds of miles long. The best strategic move you can make is selecting a disaster recovery firm that can best help you.”
Look for these capabilities, Reasoner says, which are essential to fast recovery:
Comprehensive, fast response: Good disaster recovery firms respond immediately, answering calls promptly and sending skilled help within hours. They assess the damage quickly, provide written estimates, and once hired, adhere to quick recovery schedules.
Experience: High-quality firms have assisted customers of all sizes with mitigation and recovery after the type of disaster that struck your business. They have detailed references who vouch for their successful record of response, whether your business has been damaged by fire, flood or storm. Many insurance carriers maintain lists of qualified companies with relevant experience.
Capable partners: Qualified firms have reliable, committed partners with whom they have established relationships and trust. They work frequently with good supply and service sub-contracting partners in your local area. Further, they are skilled in managing these partners.
High capacity and robust capabilities: Good disaster recovery companies have the equipment, personnel and logistics to effectively serve all customers afflicted by a natural disaster. Their capacity is extensive and they call on highly qualified colleagues in distant locations who assist without delay and bring the necessary expertise, tools and supplies.
Exceptional communications processes and infrastructure: Communications are often difficult in the wake of natural disasters and they are further complicated by power outages and transportation disruptions. Despite these challenges, good recovery firms are prepared and equipped to maintain constant communications with their teams and customers.
“Here’s another capability that is absolutely indispensable for a good disaster recovery firm: leadership,” Reasoner concludes. “Companies in crisis need to know help has arrived, team members know exactly what to do, that they will stand by them in their time of need and keep them apprised of progress. That’s the way we do it at Paul Davis Restoration.”