The November Earthquakes and subsequent flooding events were incredibly unsettling for all involved. Earthquake expert & Director Rory Crosbie offers clear advice on what Commercial Property Owners should do in the event of an earthquake.
1. Notify insurers of the event and that a claim will follow.
2. Retain the services of a structural engineer to:
- Complete a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property, document the findings and prepare an earthquake rapid assessment in accordance with MBIE Building Performance guidance.
- Make recommendations on whether the building is safe to re-occupy or whether further more detailed investigations are required. Take urgent action to make building safe, secure, weather-tight and sanitary. A building surveyor can assist and manage this process.
3. Record any remedial work done and take photographs for future insurance claim purpose.
4. Get essential services, like toilets and water systems, repaired. Ideally use existing contractors who maintain the specified systems to complete this work.
5. Keep records of everything the repairer replaces (and keep a copy of the bill).
6. Hire a structural engineer, building surveyors and quantity surveyors to complete a fully detailed damage assessment and scope of repairs.
7. Use damage assessment information to determine the repair methodology and to prioritise repair works.