Commercial Storm Damage

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Storm Damage

With the new patterns in our weather, starting to waken, it’s time to look at how storm damage can impact the commercial scene. Many commercial buildings can just hold tight during regular storms, take little or no damage when a tornado visits, and control flames with special surfaces designed to be flame resistant. However, a loss in the corporate sector, if one of these elements fails, can mean the business also fails.

Thunder storms can cause windows to break and materials to rip off from the side of the building. The broken window will lead to water damage of the inner computers and electronics. When the electronics are impacted, the business plan is halted until the water is dried.

Hurricanes pose the greatest threat to tall commercial structures because of their ability to rush water into any open surface quickly. This rush of water takes its toll on the office or commercial building almost immediately, shorting out plug outlets and more. You have seen the damage that a hurricane can do to large structures like the skyscrapers in Florida or the damage to smaller buildings. Being prepared for this kind of disaster is often easier said than done.

Here are two things to check for to make sure your commercial structure is protected from the damage of storms, big or small.

1. Use Plenum Cable to protect the network in the plenum space. A plenum space is a part of a building that can facilitate air circulation for heating and air conditioning systems, by providing pathways for either heated/conditioned or return airflows, usually at greater than atmospheric pressure. Plenum cable is electrical cable that is laid in the plenum spaces of buildings. In the United States, plastics used in the construction of plenum cable are regulated under the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems. This is required by building codes so just be sure to be up to code with this one issue.

2. Have a strategy for insurance claims in the event that your business is hit by a storm or a hurricane. It’s a little crazy to have damage that has not been mitigated within your corporate structure. Take note of your inventory so if your building does sustain damage you are ready with a list of equipment that you may lose if a storm hits your building. Take detailed notes on each piece of equipment within your building as well as the estimated current value. Rain damage can cause wires to short, thus causing a fire. Fire damage can be catastrophic immediately. Prevention is the cure.