How Your Business Can Survive a Storm: A Guide for Chicago Commercial Property Owners

By Nasutsa Mabwa, CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

When a powerful storm hits Chicagoland, it’s not just a disruption—it can be a defining moment for your business. The difference between temporary closure and permanent shutdown often depends on one key factor: how well you’ve prepared.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate shifts, business owners must move beyond reactive thinking. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we've seen firsthand how storms, flooding, and structural damage impact commercial operations across Chicago, the North Shore, and Oak Park. This guide will walk you through how to prepare, respond, and recover from storm damage—without losing your customers, your team, or your momentum.

The Rising Threat of Storms in the Midwest

From derechos to polar vortexes and flash floods, Illinois is no stranger to extreme weather. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. saw over $25 billion in weather-related damages in 2023 alone, much of it impacting commercial buildings and infrastructure. In Chicagoland, aging drainage systems and flat roofs add to the vulnerability.

The numbers speak volumes:

• Over 25% of businesses will face a major disruption each year.
• Of those that lack a storm response plan, nearly half never reopen.
• Only 29% survive longer than two years after a disaster without a plan in place.

A plan isn’t optional. It’s your business’s life raft.

Step 1: Create a Pre-Loss Emergency Plan (PLEP)

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we offer Pre-Loss Emergency Plans—customized blueprints for businesses that detail exactly what to do before, during, and after a storm.

Your PLEP should include:

• Emergency contact list (staff, vendors, utility shut-offs)
• Photos and blueprints of the building
• Insurance policy and claims contact details
• Backup power sources and alternate work locations
• A preferred restoration vendor on file

Tip: If you're located in Chicago, Skokie, or surrounding areas, call 773-376-1110 to set up a no-cost commercial emergency plan with our team.

Step 2: Communicate With Your Customers (Fast!)

Too often, businesses disappear without explanation after a disaster. That silence erodes trust.

Instead:

• Post timely updates on your website and social media
• Email or text customers if possible
• Put a sign on your storefront that explains what happened—and when you plan to reopen
• Offer alternate providers or partners during your closure

Bonus: Keeping customers in the loop shows integrity and builds brand loyalty.

Step 3: Don't Wait to Call the Pros

Storm damage worsens quickly. Water seeps into walls, mold begins growing in 24–48 hours, and structural risks escalate.

Contact your disaster restoration provider immediately. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons responds 24/7 and can often begin water extraction, board-up, or temporary containment within hours.

We helped reopen a commercial office in Glenview within 72 hours after a June 2023 storm flooded their lower level. Without rapid intervention, their electrical system and servers would have been total losses.

Step 4: Restore Without Shutting Down

Business owners often assume they must fully close during repairs. That’s not always the case.

Our IICRC-certified crews are trained to work around your operations, using tools and protocols that:

• Isolate affected zones
• Perform noisy tasks after-hours
• Use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to prevent air contamination
• Communicate proactively with your team

We’ve kept restaurants, schools, and retail stores running during major restoration work—because every day of downtime costs money.

Step 5: Review and Upgrade Your Insurance

Many businesses in Chicagoland still carry outdated policies that don’t cover water intrusion from flooding, sewer backup, or storm surge. After a disaster, the last thing you want is to discover you're underinsured.

Be sure your policy covers:

• Water and flood damage
• Business interruption/loss of income
• Emergency restoration and rebuilds

🧾 Pro Tip: Review your policy annually with your agent—and keep a digital copy offsite.

What If You Have No Plan?

If a storm has already struck and you’re scrambling, it’s not too late. Here’s what to do:

1. Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately
2. Document everything with photos and video
3. Secure your property to prevent further damage
4. Begin drying and mitigation ASAP

Every hour counts.

Key Takeaways

• Climate-driven storms are increasing in Chicago and the North Shore.
• Businesses with no plan are at major risk of permanent closure.
• A Pre-Loss Emergency Plan is your first defense.
• Communicate with customers, act quickly, and work with certified restoration pros.
• Restoration doesn’t always mean full shutdown—smart planning keeps you open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the first thing I should do after a storm hits my business? A: Ensure your team is safe, then call a certified disaster restoration company immediately. Time is critical for minimizing damage.

Q: Can you help us make a plan before something happens? A: Yes. ServiceMaster By Simons offers no-cost Pre-Loss Emergency Planning for commercial clients across Chicagoland.

Q: Do you only help Chicago-based businesses? A: We also serve Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, and all of the North Shore.

Q: Can I still operate my business during restoration? A: Often, yes. We can schedule work around your hours and isolate damaged areas to keep operations moving.

About the Author

Nasutsa Mabwa is the President and CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Chicagoland. She is a nationally recognized leader in commercial restoration and resilience planning, with honors including the Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year, the SB100 Best of Small Business Award, and Crain’s Chicago 40 Under 40. Most recently, she was named one of the Top 100 Women to KNOW in America by KNOW Women and JPMorgan Chase.

Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University. She is IICRC-certified in Water and Fire Restoration and has been recognized for her ethical leadership with the BBB Torch Award and C-Suite of the Year by the Daily Herald.

In addition to her professional work, Nasutsa has served on the Executive Committee of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO). She is also the co-author of the homeowner guide RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest disaster restoration company. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons brings 40+ years of local expertise to the Chicagoland area, proudly serving:

• Chicago (Loop, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Rogers Park, Wicker Park, and more)
• North Shore (Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest)
• Oak Park & River Forest
• DuPage County

We provide:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup
• Mold Remediation Services
• Emergency Construction Services

📘 Also available: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset

Need Immediate Storm Cleanup or Pre-Storm Planning in Chicago? Call us 24/7 at 773-376-1110 or contact us online.

Stay ready. Stay protected. Let us help you weather the storm.