Summer storms don’t mess around. One minute the skies are clear, and the next you’re dealing with flash floods, lightning strikes, or a soaked ceiling tile in the breakroom. For facility managers, these sudden weather events can turn into costly disasters if you’re not ready.
From roof leaks and drainage problems to power outages and structural damage, summer storms have a way of finding every weak spot in your building. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way and that’s where RKB Facility Solutions comes in.
Let’s walk through the essentials of getting your facility storm-ready before the next one rolls through.
Why Storm Prep Can’t Wait
Summer storms are unpredictable. They can show up with zero warning, and when they hit, you don’t have time to wonder if your roof can handle it or if the generator’s going to kick in.
A few hours of prep now can save you thousands in emergency repairs, downtime, or worse—safety risks to staff and customers.
Here’s what storm damage often looks like in commercial spaces:
- Water intrusion from failed seals, clogged drains, or damaged roofing
- Power outages that disrupt operations and damage equipment
- Flooding in basements, entrances, or low-lying areas
- Exterior damage to signage, lighting, or building facades
- Lost productivity while waiting on emergency vendors
If you’ve already experienced one of these, you know the stress and if you haven’t, consider this your sign to get ahead of it.
Your Summer Storm Readiness Checklist
Here are the key areas your facility team or your maintenance partner should be looking at before the next storm hits:
1. Inspect the Roof
It only takes one loose shingle or clogged scupper to cause serious leaks. Look for signs of wear and tear, pooling water, or any spot that looks like it’s sagging. Flat roofs need special attention, especially after heat waves that can dry out materials.
2. Check All Drains and Gutters
Debris buildup in roof drains, downspouts, or exterior gutters can back up water into your building. Make sure they’re cleared, properly sloped, and not showing signs of rust or separation.
3. Test Your Generator
Don’t wait until the lights go out to find out your backup power isn’t working. Check fuel levels, run a full test cycle, and confirm which systems are actually supported (hint: make sure emergency lighting and sump pumps are on the list).
4. Review Exterior Areas
Secure loose signage, awnings, outdoor fixtures, and even landscaping elements like planters or trash bins. High winds can turn those into hazards. While you’re at it, check parking lot drainage and catch basins.
5. Confirm Emergency Contacts
Make sure you have updated contact info for your go-to repair vendors—or even better, work with a partner like RKB who can coordinate emergency support for you. Know who to call before you need to call them.
How RKB Helps Before and After the Storm
Storm prep isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about having the right support when things go sideways. At RKB Facility Solutions, we help businesses across the country prep their facilities ahead of storm season and recover quickly when bad weather hits.
Here’s how we’ve got your back:
- Proactive Inspections: We can audit your roof, drainage, generators, and exterior to spot vulnerabilities before they become emergencies.
- Preventive Maintenance: We clear drains, reinforce seals, replace worn roofing materials, and test backup systems so you’re ready to ride out the storm.
- Emergency Response: When something breaks, leaks, or floods, we’re available 24/7 with technicians and repair partners across the country.
- Asset Protection Plans: For multi-location brands, we build scalable response plans so every facility knows exactly what to do and when.
You don’t have to manage storm season alone. We’ve built a nationwide support network that’s ready to act when your facility needs it most.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
The best time to prepare for a storm is before it’s on the radar. Once the rain starts, options become limited and you might end up competing with every other business in the area for the same repair crews and materials.
By checking your systems and having a response plan in place now, you avoid the panic, the scrambling, and the premium rates that come with last-minute fixes.
More importantly, you protect your business. Your customers won’t care why the lights went out, but they’ll care that you weren’t prepared. And your insurance provider may not cover damage that could have been prevented.
Don’t Let the Next Storm Catch You Off Guard
Storms are inevitable, but the damage isn’t. With a little planning and the right partner on your side, you can keep your facility safe, dry, and operational no matter what’s happening outside.
Whether you manage a single retail location, a multi-tenant office, or a nationwide footprint, RKB Facility Solutions is here to help you weather the season smarter—not harder.
Storm-Proof Your Facility with RKB
From last-minute leaks to long-term prep, RKB Facility Solutions is your one-stop partner for summer storm readiness. We’ll help you get ahead of the weather and stay in control—even when the skies open up.
