Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for Disaster Later
Zack Klein • July 27, 2022
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021 was the third most active year on record in terms of named storms. It also marked the sixth consecutive above-normal hurricane season. It was the first time in history that two consecutive hurricane seasons exhausted the list of 21 storm names.
We are now in the timeframe where hurricane season typically starts becoming more active. Based on the trends of recent years, and the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in general, it’s important to take the time to prepare your home or business now before disaster strikes. Here are five ways you can get ready:
- Develop an emergency plan - When you plan ahead for disasters like flooding, fire, and severe weather, you can drastically decrease their impact on your home or business. As part of this plan, find a safe, dry place to store important documents and make sure they are easily accessible in a hurry. Have a supply kit on hand that includes the essentials like first aid supplies, water, batteries, flashlights and food. Finally, be sure to have a predetermined location should either shelter or evacuation be necessary.
- Review your insurance – Are you aware of your insurance policy, its limits, and what is or is not covered? Reviewing your insurance coverage now will give you plenty of time to consider your options and make any additions that could be necessary while living or operating a business in a disaster-prone area.
- Storm-proof your property – Regular inspection of your home or business will help you identify any damages or problem areas should a storm hit. By locating and addressing these issues early, you can ensure that they are fully repaired and structurally sound before a natural disaster.
- Create a business continuity plan – Natural disasters can cause lasting interruptions to resources like telecommunications, the water and power supply, access to roadways and more. How will your business adapt to these potentially long-term challenges? Having a specific plan for how your business will respond is key to continuing “business as usual” even during the aftermath of an extreme weather event.
- Know what to do immediately after an event – While the business continuity plan focuses on your ability to sustain “business as usual” after disaster strikes, it’s just as important to know what your business will do immediately following a storm in order to execute the plan. This includes details such as how employees are notified, where staff is relocated to, how equipment will be procured, where phone calls will temporarily be routed to and more. This type of plan can also be made personally for your home and family members.
We are Pre-Loss Planning Professionals
If you find yourself concerned with life’s many “what if” scenarios, planning ahead can be a helpful way to ease your mind. By knowing that you are fully prepared for whatever curveballs may be thrown your way, you are able to move forward with the confidence that, should disaster strike, your home or business has the ability to rebound quickly. That peace of mind is precisely what we provide at Guarantee Restoration Services with thorough pre-loss planning services that cover everything from cloud-based documentation of your pre-loss building and contents to a detailed action plan.
At Guarantee Restoration Services, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to introduce Christy Jones Huff , a Business Development Representative at our Jackson, Mississippi Branch who joined the team just over a year ago in January 2024 . From Property Management to Business Development Christy’s journey to GRS started long before she stepped through our doors. A Jackson State University graduate , she earned her degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing . She then spent 19 years as a property manager , gaining invaluable experience in building relationships and problem-solving, which are skills that now serve her well in business development. It is safe to say that she is well-versed in the multifamily vertical that we serve, but she also works with several other industries, such as state entities and housing authorities. Life Outside of Work Originally from Farmhaven, MS , Christy stays busy outside of work with a full house. She’s married, a proud mom to a college-aged son, and spends most of her free time keeping up with a very active toddler —a job she jokingly refers to as "taming a toddler." When she finds a rare quiet moment, she enjoys crafting, though she explained that those moments are few and far between these days.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein, Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas BATON ROUGE, La. – February 5, 2025 – Guarantee Restoration Services has entered into an agreement to serve as the managing partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration, a leading restoration and facility maintenance provider in Austin, Texas. This partnership marks a significant step in Guarantee Restoration’s ongoing expansion throughout the South and Gulf Coast region. Guarantee Restoration Services will oversee management operations in Austin, working closely with W.B. Arthur Restoration to enhance systems, streamline processes, and position the company for long-term growth. This collaboration reinforces Guarantee Restoration’s commitment to delivering industry-leading restoration services, while expanding its footprint across new markets. “We’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will create new pathways for innovation, growth, and leadership in the marketplace,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services. “Our people are the reason we are able to form these types of partnerships. I’m excited to see where we go from here.” This strategic partnership aligns with Guarantee Restoration’s pattern of growth across the Gulf South, having established a strong presence in six markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. By bringing its expertise in restoration management to W.B. Arthur Restoration, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in the Austin Metro Region. About W.B. Arthur Restoration W.B. Arthur Restoration provides a wide range of property maintenance and restoration services, including water damage restoration, facility maintenance, air duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning. Serving the greater Austin Metro Region, W.B. Arthur Restoration is dedicated to ensuring homes and businesses receive the highest level of care, even in the most difficult-to-reach places. About Guarantee Restoration Services For over 50 years, Guarantee Restoration Services has been a trusted name in the restoration industry, consistently expanding its services and market presence along the Gulf Coast. The company’s mission is to support communities in need by offering reliable restoration solutions, maintaining honest and dependable service, and ensuring stability for businesses and homeowners. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit http://www.GuaranteeRestoration.com /.
Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities require the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
