Emergency Signage Repair: How to Minimize Downtime After Natural Disasters

October 23, 2024|Signage Maintenance | Written by Alicia Peregory

Preparing Your Signage for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips and Best Practices

Don’t risk leaving your most critical marketing tools out of service after a disaster.

No matter where you live or do business, natural disasters can happen unexpectedly. Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes – any of Mother Nature’s worst moments can leave businesses reeling from damage and debris.

When you rely on physical signage to serve your customers, damage can quickly put you out of service. Not only are you trying to repair any damage to your property and restore power, but your signage (which can often point people toward needed products or services) can end up falling on the backburner of your repair list.

A broken or missing sign can confuse and inconvenience customers, even drive them away. Quick signage repair is not just about aesthetics—it’s about minimizing downtime and keeping your business operational.

The Role of Signage in a Crisis

Your business signage does more than just announce your name; it helps communicate with customers during a time of confusion.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the ability to quickly restore signage can be the difference between a smooth recovery and an extended disruption.

Imagine this: a customer approaches your business post-storm, looking for assistance or supplies. But if your sign is torn down, damaged, or unlit, they may assume you’re closed and move on to a competitor.

Worse yet, missing safety signage—like emergency exit or parking lot markers—can lead to dangerous situations for customers and staff. The last thing you want to have to deal with is an injury or accident on top of everything else.

Common Types of Signage Damage After Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes can damage your signage in a variety of ways. Some of the most common issues include:

Wind Damage: High winds can rip signs from their mounts or cause structural damage, leaving signs hanging from their hinges or completely destroyed.

Water Damage: Flooding and heavy rain – particularly from severe storms or hurricanes – can overwhelm and damage signs. Water can seep into electronic signs, causing malfunctions or ruining the look.
Debris Impact: Falling branches, blown debris, or collapsing structures can smash signs or create dangerous obstacles.
Power Outages: A power failure can render illuminated signs ineffective, and surges may risk burning out the electronic components.
Structural Damage: Earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters can cause severe damage to buildings and structures, which may also impact the stability of signage.

So, how can you ensure that you have the right strategy in place to handle post-storm repairs and maintenance for your signs? The key is to be proactive as well as reactive – setting your business up for success with a repair plan.

Minimizing Downtime with a Signage Response Plan

A prompt response minimizes downtime and business losses after a disaster. By having a clear signage response plan, you can assess damage quickly and coordinate repairs without unnecessary delays.

Here are a few steps to help minimize downtime:

Pre-disaster Preparation

The best offense is a good defense – so you’ll want to know your signage inside and out.

Regularly inspect your signage to ensure it’s in good condition before a disaster strikes. Document all signage types, placement, and structural details. Have your maintenance team inspect mounting hardware and check for any vulnerabilities.

Set Up Your Repair Emergency Contact

Sometimes, you can’t help when a disaster strikes. That’ ‘s why it’s important to partner with a signage company that offers emergency services.

Make sure you have a contract for emergency repairs so they can mobilize as soon as the area is deemed safe. At Atlas Sign Industries, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services to get your business back on its feet fast.

Invest In Temporary Signage

Sometimes, the repair process can take time. And if you are a business or organization that needs to have a visual presence, you’ll need a backup to get you through.

Vinyl banners, sandwich boards, or portable LED signs can provide directions or notify customers that your business is still operational, even if your main signage is down.

The Cost of Delayed Signage Repairs

We get it – you might be tempted to put off signage repair until after other, more “urgent” repairs are handled.

But it’s important that you consider the hidden costs of delayed action. Not only do you risk losing potential customers who may not know your business is still open, but you also risk damaging your brand’s image.

Potential customers passing by and seeing damaged or missing signage can give the impression that the business is unprofessional or unreliable. The last thing you need is a hit to your physical presence as well as your reputation!

There’s also the safety risk. A sign in disrepair is a liability. Loose components or exposed electrical wiring can cause accidents – and may lead to potential lawsuits or expensive settlements. Suddenly, that repair cost has snowballed into something much worse.

Proactive Measures To Strengthen Your Signage

While reacting quickly to any damaged signs is important, you should also put in place a plan to address issues before they pop up. Proactive sign maintenance and inspections can save you a significant amount of money and hassle in the long run.

Schedule Inspections Regularly

Start by establishing a regular schedule for sign inspections. This should include checking for any physical damage, cleaning off debris or dirt, and ensuring all components are functioning properly. A thorough inspection should also include checking for any potential safety hazards, such as loose parts or exposed wiring.

Always Install Your Signage Professionally

Many issues with damaged signs come from improper installation. Even the best DIY signage installation can potentially leave you in a pinch down the road.

It’s always best to hire a professional sign company that will ensure your signage is installed correctly and securely. This can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Keep Your Signs Clean

Regularly cleaning your signs is not only important for maintaining their appearance, but also for ensuring they are functioning properly. Dirt and debris can build up on signage, potentially obscuring important information or blocking necessary lighting. Make sure to clean your signs regularly with gentle soap and water to keep them in top condition.

Opt for Quality Signage

Consider upgrading your signage to more durable materials that can withstand severe weather conditions. For instance, reinforced aluminum or heavy-duty polycarbonate can better resist impact from wind-blown debris, while LED lighting can offer reliability even in adverse conditions.

Be Prepared, Be Proactive

Don’t wait until disaster strikes to think about your signage. A solid signage maintenance and repair plan will minimize your downtime and ensure that your business can continue serving customers when they need you most.

Ready to get proactive? Atlas Sign Industries specializes in emergency signage repair and long-term maintenance solutions. Our team of experts can help you develop a plan that fits your specific needs and budget – and install signage solutions that are designed to last no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.