This blog has previously discussed the damages that result from severe weather, and how businesses of all sizes can be affected. Last week, many New Jersey businesses that were still recovering from last year's Hurricane Sandy were hit with another blow when a fire broke out.
On Thursday afternoon, the six-alarm blaze began in a frozen custard stand on the Seaside Park portion of the boardwalk. Winds reaching 15 to 20 miles per hour helped fuel the blaze, which continued to burn into the evening. While no injuries or deaths were reported, many business owners were left with nothing.
The Amesbury Park Press reported that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency at around 7 p.m. Thursday and addressed the community.
"It's like a one-two punch," resident David DeLuca told the news source. "These people just got done rebuilding."
The Associated Press quoted Christie, who said that about 30 businesses were destroyed. However, authorities in the area said Thursday night more than 50 businesses had been devastated, including 32 in Seaside Park and more than 20 in Seaside Heights.
Paul Schneider owns three small boardwalk stands and told the AP that he was stunned. After Hurricane Sandy, Schneider had to rip out electrical wires in his shops and replace water-damaged merchandise. This time, he said that he "can't believe it's happening again."
Mother Nature is highly unpredictable, and no businesses can predict exactly what will happen or how it will affect their company. The best that owners can do is prepare for numerous situations and keep their commercial property insurance policy up-to-date.
Recovery times can vary and the process will only be hindered if entrepreneurs are paying for repairs on their own. By working with commercial insurance specialists, organizations can ensure that they find comprehensive policies that are well within their price range.