Storm Response Leads to Comprehensive Security Solutions
When severe storms struck South London in February, high winds shattered the apartment windows above Rachel’s boutique. The weekend service call came during bad weather, with rain threatening to damage her inventory through the broken window. The storm had torn through multiple doors and windows, leaving gaps that exposed both floors to the elements. Rachel contacted Emergency Boarding Up for emergency glass boarding to protect her property.
The Emergency Boarding Up crisis boarding team arrived within 45 minutes despite the challenging weather conditions. They swiftly installed weatherproof boarding across all storm-damaged areas, preventing water ingress and securing the premises. During their residential glass service work, the technicians noticed that the property had significant security vulnerabilities beyond the storm damage that could attract opportunistic criminals.
Discovering Security Weaknesses During Storm Repairs
While completing the crisis boarding installation, Emergency Boarding Up’s specialists observed concerning security gaps throughout the building. The storm had exposed how poorly the original windows were secured—they lacked proper locking mechanisms and used thin, single-pane glass. The southward doors showed signs of wear, with loose frames and outdated locks that barely met minimum standards.
The team explained that storm-damaged properties often become targets for burglars who monitor areas after severe weather. Recognising these risks, Emergency Boarding Up offered its complimentary security survey service. Rachel accepted, realising that simply repairing storm damage wouldn’t address the underlying security issues the incident had revealed.
Comprehensive Property Assessment
The security survey took place after the immediate storm crisis passed. Emergency Boarding Up ‘s certified specialists systematically evaluated every entrance and window, testing locks and examining frames throughout the boutique and residential spaces above. They assessed how the building’s design and current security measures would perform against natural disasters and criminal threats.
The evaluation uncovered multiple vulnerabilities that the storm had highlighted. The apartment windows that failed during high winds also lacked basic security features like key-operated locks. The rear door’s frame, weakened by weather exposure over the years, could be forced open easily. The storm had demonstrated how quickly the standard glass could break, whether from flying debris or a deliberate attack.
Additionally, the survey revealed that water damage from previous storms had compromised several door frames, making them structurally weak. The existing alarm system covered only the boutique’s main floor, leaving the upper apartment windows completely unmonitored—a significant oversight given their street-level accessibility from the fire escape.
Tailored Security and Weather Protection Recommendations
After the assessment, Emergency Boarding Up provided a detailed report addressing security and weather resilience. Their recommendations focused on practical upgrades to protect against storms and intruders without requiring major reconstruction.
The specialists recommended installing laminated glass throughout the property. This glass repair service upgrade would resist storm impacts and break-in attempts while providing better insulation. All windows needed secure multi-point locking systems to hold firm in high winds and deter forced entry.
The team suggested replacing the southward doors with reinforced units featuring weather seals and British Standard BS3621-compliant locks. These improvements would prevent storm damage and unauthorised access. Strategic placement of motion-sensor lighting would illuminate vulnerable areas during storms and deter criminal activity.
Local Knowledge and Insurance Guidance
Emergency Boarding Up demonstrated extensive experience with South London’s weather patterns and crime trends. They explained how storms often preceded spikes in burglary attempts, as criminals exploited damaged properties and overwhelmed emergency services. This local insight helped Rachel understand why comprehensive security mattered beyond simple storm repairs.
The free security survey included crucial insurance compliance information. Many insurers require specific security measures for storm-prone areas, and Emergency Boarding Up’s recommendations ensured Rachel’s coverage would remain valid. They offered to liaise with her insurance company to verify requirements and potentially reduce premiums through security improvements.
Implementation and Long-term Benefits
Rachel implemented the survey’s recommendations in phases, beginning with the most critical vulnerabilities. The new laminated glass window replacements provided immediate protection against weather and crime, and the reinforced doors and frames created robust barriers against storm damage and forced entry.
Rachel’s property had weathered two more severe storms without incident, four months after the initial storm damage. The comprehensive approach, which combined weather resilience with security features, protected her business year-round. The weekend service availability meant she could always reach Emergency Boarding Up during emergencies.
This experience illustrates how storm damage often reveals broader security issues. Emergency Boarding Up ‘s free security survey transformed a crisis into an opportunity for comprehensive property protection. Their expertise in emergency glass boarding and long-term security planning created integrated solutions addressing multiple threats.
For Rachel, partnering with security professionals who understood the connection between weather damage and crime prevention proved invaluable. The rapid crisis boarding response and strategic security improvements gave her genuine peace of mind, knowing her property could withstand natural and human threats, making it safe and secure.
