What to do in the aftermath of a hurricane Part 1

By Cotney Construction Law.

Recovery plan needs to include communication, damage assessment, and recordkeeping.

Hurricane season is currently upon us, and the residents of North Carolina have already been impacted by Hurricane Florence. As people all throughout North Carolina must face rebuilding their lives and communities, in the midst of hurricane season the rest of the country must contend with the possibility of another hurricane. The construction industry is not exempt from the destruction of hurricanes. Construction professionals at every level face industry-specific challenges when a hurricane strikes their site. It takes a quick response and a well-thought-out recovery action plan to not only rebuild their own business, but to also assist others in their restoration efforts.

Communication is the key step to moving forward. All of the leadership within the company needs to be approachable and visible and meetings with all employees need to be held in order to discuss the plans for moving in the right direction. It is also important to contact clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to notify them of the disruption in operations and when you plan to resume business as usual.

Hurricanes can cause disaster to a company in a variety of ways. In order to obtain insurance coverage you must identify the cause of the damage on the job site. The cause of damage could range from rain, flooding, or wind, and though the damage caused may have resulted from the storm, it is very possible that your policy might not cover every single component. You then must properly document any damage that arises from the hurricane, which includes noting any lost inventory or damage to your company’s equipment, vehicles, or buildings.

Thus, you must identify and document your damage, examine your policy, and immediately contact your insurer to verify your specific coverage and any possible exclusions.  

To read the full article, please visit:  Cotney Construction Law

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.