How Storms Can Impact Municipal Buildings, Schools and Businesses

In many cases, the need for restoration of a government building or property after a storm is abundantly clear. In other cases, storm damage restoration needs for municipalities, schools or commercial businesses are not as apparent.

In both scenarios, however, schools, municipalities and private businesses should be able to rely on qualified emergency restoration specialists for cleanup, remediation and prevention.

Safety is the Top Priority

When severe weather events affect public areas, restoration services are needed as soon as possible.

For example, two years ago, a tornado with wind speeds nearing 150 mph ravaged McCormick’s Creek State Park in Spencer, Indiana, impacting 282 acres of the park by damaging thousands of trees and forcing the closure of the trails — several of which remain closed in the spring of 2025. Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis was similarly affected by the tornado.

When these types of weather events occur, safety is the first priority, including addressing downed power lines, boarding up homes and businesses as needed, removing fallen trees, restoring electrical power to homes, repairing traffic lights, clearing flooded areas and more.

In situations like this, an emergency restoration company is likely to be called upon for help. The emergency restoration professionals at Hays + Sons, specifically, can assist municipalities, businesses and schools with urgent needs such as water removal, flood cleanup, roof repair and boarding up of municipal buildings after storms damage roofs or windows.

‍

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration: The After-Effects

For schools, municipal buildings, public parks and commercial businesses, the aftermath can be far-reaching, costly and disruptive in ways that aren’t always visible at first glance.

In addition to the immediate damage, storms and flooding cause many other concerns.

• Structural damage can occur after water seeps into cracks behind walls, leading to rot, mold and long-term integrity issues in the building foundations.
• Technology and equipment may become more vulnerable. Electrical surges can damage computers, computer security can be compromised and building alarm systems may become temporarily disabled.
• Paper records, student projects, supplies and books in public libraries can be spoiled due to flooding or water leaks.
• Playground equipment can lose its integrity, lose its visual appeal or become unsafe. Wooden structures, for example, can absorb water and rot over time, and wet surfaces can become breeding grounds for bacteria, bugs and mosquitoes.
• Moist conditions can attract rodents and termites.
• Even when you address water leaks or flooding as soon as possible, it may be too late. Water may have seeped into indoor space, where mold can form within one or two days and turn classrooms, municipal offices or commercial buildings into health hazards.
• Storms can wreak havoc on the air quality of HVAC systems behind the scenes.

Whether storms cause sudden, severe damage of government properties or commercial businesses, or the damage is due to deterioration over time, regular inspections, preventive maintenance and proactive planning are key to reducing long-term effects and ensuring quick recovery.

For more information about Hays + Sons commercial storm damage restoration services, as well as those for schools and municipalities, send us a message through our website. If you need immediate assistance due to a storm, flooding, fire or other disaster, call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-536-4056.