Checklist: What to Do After Extreme Weather Events

From tornadoes and tropical storms to floods and droughts, all of these extreme weather events could have a lasting impact once they hit your property. And it can be hard for any facility to battle the potential destruction that could follow. While most facility managers are more worried about how these events will affect their business, they may not realize that the after-effects of pest activity can make it even more difficult to resume day-to-day operations.

When the weather subsides, pests’ environments are damaged, which means they usually turn to your facility for shelter. For example, long periods of rainfall followed by either hot or cold weather can lead to an abundance of stored product pests in your facility. (For more pests that could flood your facility, download our free guide to extreme weather and pests.)

That’s why we created an extreme weather checklist to help you prevent pests after these events:

1. Interior
   • Remove any carpet or upholstery with water damage.
   • Apply screens to all open windows until windows can be replaced.
   • Inspect machinery for mold and mildew.
   • Ensure all product is stored in high places—as far away from floor level as possible.
   • Check cold storage areas for standing water.
   • Make sure HVAC systems are working properly to maintain optimal temperatures. This can aid food processors in protecting the integrity of food products.
2. Exterior
   • Remove standing water.
   • Make a plan for waste and debris removal.
   • Replace any damaged exterior materials and equipment.
   • Inspect roof and gutters.
3. Documentation
   • Immediately record any new pest sightings and record any uptick in activity of existing pest issues.
   • Take an overall inventory of product.
   • Report all damaged property, and include photos when possible.
4. Work With Your Partners
   • Schedule an inspection with your pest management provider to make sure your pest protections are still in place.
   • Work with your partners to determine shipping and receiving logistics.
   • Work with your contractors for post-storm building repairs.

When the winds calm and the rain clears, businesses impacted by destruction should make sure pest control is top of mind. While you can’t always predict how Mother Nature will affect your business, you can check these boxes to help you bounce back from any extreme weather occurrence.

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