Steps to Take After Fire or Flood Damage to Your Business

There are multiple steps to take after fire or food damage to your business that can help you recover swiftly and move on. Many restaurant owners assume that the risk of a flood or fire is minimal, but on the contrary, it is an ever-present threat. Restaurants may even be at an increased risk as kitchens often include equipment that can malfunction and cause a flood or fire. If your establishment has become a victim of such an incident, you might be wondering what to do after flood damage at your business or how to handle fire damage at your company. There are ways to recover from the incident. Follow these four tips to help recoup losses after a fire or flood.

Take Pictures of Everything

Documentation is one of the first things you must do immediately after encountering fire or flood damage to your business. Indeed, it is imperative that you thoroughly document all damage that the fire or flood caused, including taking photos, videos, and writing a verbal description of the damage, too. If you’re unsure where to start, break the task into the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the dining area, for example. Take your time, and be sure to capture all damage thoroughly.

Conduct an Inventory Assessment

Unfortunately, a flood or a fire often does not only damage the premises of a restaurant. It can also damage and destroy any inventory you may have stored at your restaurant. It’s also important to document this damage so that you can fully account for all the losses incurred due to the incident. Make detailed notes regarding whether each inventory item is recoverable, undamaged, or destroyed.

Contact your Insurance Provider

It’s essential to contact your restaurant insurance provider as soon as you discover the damage that your restaurant has sustained. Restaurant insurance can’t prevent a flood or a fire, but it can provide protection that shields you from financial losses that result from a disaster like this. It can also give you the resources to start rebuilding your establishment and recovering the premises from the damage. It can make it easier to reopen quickly and minimize losses from lost business.

Create a Recovery Plan

Finally, you must invest time in creating a recovery plan. A fire or a flood can devastate a business, but when you have the protection provided by insurance, you can get back on your feet. You need a plan to help you do so. As you are writing your plan, be sure to identify the damage you need to repair, the inventory you must replace, and the equipment you must repair. Reach out to your insurer to get information on how to complete these repairs and replacements so that you can reopen and resume business.

About Byrnes Agency

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.

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