Now that the full scale of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey has come into clear focus, Houstonians affected by storm-related flooding are focused on the task at hand (cleanup) and are beginning to plan for the future. While news outlets covering the historic flooding tend to focus on the devastation caused to peoples’ homes, thousands of businesses were also affected.
If your office space was flooded, you probably feel overwhelmed by all you have to do. Rebuilding your office space definitely will be a daunting task. But, as we’ve learned from hurricanes Katrina and Ike, which brought similar flooding to New Orleans and Galveston, respectively, it is possible to rebuild and return stronger than ever.
Try to View Your Tragedy as an Opportunity
It’s definitely tough to “look on the bright side” and see the glass as half full when you are surrounded by debris and muck. Unfortunately, you can’t change what has already happened. You can, however, try to move past your anger, sadness, hopelessness and despair by focusing on the future. Even if you have lost your entire building and will be starting over from scratch, you have the unique opportunity to make your new space whatever you would like it to be. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you, too, can emerge from the floods stronger and better equipped to make your dreams come true.
Before you begin rebuilding your space, think about what aspects of your pre-storm space you didn’t love.
- Was your office furniture outdated?
- Were you tired of your color scheme?
- Was your break room too small and your conference room too large?
- Had you outgrown your existing office layout?
When you’re ready to rebuild, you have an opportunity to modernize your space. You can incorporate technology, switch from cubicles to open concept, install ergonomic office furnishings…. You can create a space that encourages productivity and boosts morale.
Salvage What You Safely Can
Flood damage is particularly devastating because it contaminates porous surfaces and renders so many objects completely unusable. Unfortunately, you’ll discover that much of your office furniture and equipment that was soaked in floodwaters isn’t salvageable. However, there are some items that you can effectively sanitize and, therefore, keep. These include metal items, such as filing cabinets, scissors, and tables; solid-wood items such as desks; glass items such as table tops and mirrors, etc.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Texans are known for their resilience and strong work ethic. Cleaning up a flood-ravaged office, rebuilding it and restocking it with equipment and furnishings is not a do-it-yourself undertaking. FEMA exists for a reason. Your tax dollars go toward FEMA’s programs and resources: Utilize them. Organizations ranging from the Samaritan’s Purse and Salvation Army to grassroots church groups and Boy Scouts troops are standing by with volunteers eager to pitch in and lend a hand. Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s smart business decision, and it will help you and your employees get back to work sooner.
Specialized professional help is also available. Houston Installation Services is Houston proud. For 30 years, Houstonians have trusted HIS’ office furniture installers and movers to get their offices up and running efficiently. HIS is standing by with a skilled, trained team of installers and movers who will assist your team with the highest degree of sensitivity and professionalism. We love Houston and want to be part of the rebuilding of our city.
