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The Cost of Downtime in the Event of a Disaster

July 21, 2021
Jim Wills
*The featured photo above depicts a representative project, not a GRS project.

Catastrophe is never expected; will you be ready?  GRS Disaster Response is.

Significant disruption can come in many forms like weather, accidental mishaps, fires, pandemics, etc. No one can predict the unfortunate events that jeopardize business continuity in losing production time, missed opportunities, and worst of all, the loss of clients. Do you know the financial impacts to your business if it became inoperative?

Immediate Response to Prevent Business Interruptions

Organizations worldwide are facing increasing threats from unusual weather patterns due to climate change forcing an incredible strain on businesses and the risk of downtime continues to rise. In the middle of the coldest weather of 2021, snow loads compromised a manufacturing facility causing a 17,500 square foot section of the roof to collapse onto the conveyer equipment below, shutting down a 24 hour a day production line. This 500,000 square foot building lost heat, power and had some initial water and potential hazmat damage. Immediate response by the GRS team pulled in resources to protect the plant from a severe business interruption event and had the plant back in operation within 72 hours and at an 85% capacity in 9 days. The project was completed faster than projected, and the cost of repairs was considerably under budget.

Resolving Claims Swiftly and with Transparency

Swiftly resolving a claim is a partnership, which usually includes the client, many times a broker, an insurance carrier, and the right team to bring in the expertise to reduce the time of loss. Most often, claims may require you to work with two insureds, the tenant and the building owner, which requires communication to be a top priority. GRS Disaster Response brings resources to bear, unlike any others in the industry. Trust is built over time. Backed by Gilbane, a 150-year-old company, GRS Disaster Response brings construction consultants, engineering, architects, and vendors that reduce the time of loss, have insurance claims experience, and access to one of the most prolific supply chains in the industry. Add to that our open book billing system that makes for a transparent exchange with all parties.

Rapid Recovery

Pre-loss rate agreements with mitigation vendors with a ready supply of power, heat, fuel, and people resources all lend to rapid recovery. In times like these, when supplies are not only higher in cost but a challenge to find and manufacture, engaging a company with years of leverage through healthy relationships with their sub-contractors is vital.

Many industrial and distribution facilities list the cost of downtime and safety that is often visible to all that enter. For example, the number of days without an incident means that the cost of lost production is broken down into minutes, hours, or days. They expect all those who enter to help maintain that level of safety, production, and resources.

GRS Disaster Response is a Certified Business Continuity vendor through the Disaster Recovery Institute International. Call or email us today to learn how you can reduce potential business interruption expenses and protect the livelihood of your business for your stakeholders, employees, and the companies who depend on you for their essential supplies.

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About Authors
Jim Wills has over 36 years of restoration and disaster planning experience. He holds his Associate in Business Continuity Certification (ABCP) as well as the Certified Business Continuity Vendor Certification (CBCV) through Disaster Recovery Institute. Jim is a licensed All-lines Insurance Adjuster and has been the Managing Director of Commercial Loss Solutions for two of North America’s largest restoration and recovery organizations. GRS Disaster Response is the first construction management company to introduce the design-build and open book pricing model to the insurance claims industry. Jim has provided consulting services for major insurance companies after some of the nation’s worst natural disasters. He has been a speaker at many trade and industry organizations.
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