Emergency Boarding Up: What to Do After a Break-In or Storm Damage

Immediate Steps After Property Damage

1. Ensure Safety First

Don't enter the property if you suspect someone is still inside. If it's a break-in, call 999 and wait for police before entering. Watch for broken glass, unstable structures and electrical hazards.

2. Call for Emergency Boarding

Call S&K Group on 0800 088 6341 — we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our emergency team will give you an estimated arrival time and talk you through immediate safety steps.

3. Document the Damage

Before anything is moved or cleaned up, photograph and video all damage from multiple angles. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Note the time you discovered the damage.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. Most commercial policies require notification within 24 hours. Your insurer may have a preferred supplier, but you have the right to choose your own contractor.

5. Secure Valuables

If safe to do so, move valuable stock, equipment or personal items away from the damaged area to prevent further loss from weather exposure or opportunistic theft.

What Happens During Emergency Boarding

When our emergency team arrives, we:

• Assess the damage and identify all areas needing securing
• Clear broken glass safely
• Board up all damaged windows, doors and openings with marine-grade plywood
• Secure boarding with heavy-duty fixings that prevent removal
• Install temporary door locks if entrance doors are compromised
• Provide documentation for your insurance claim
• Schedule a follow-up visit to quote for permanent repairs

How Quickly Can You Respond?

Our average response time is 1-2 hours within our core service areas. For more remote locations, we aim to arrive within 3-4 hours. We carry all materials and tools on our emergency vehicles so there's no delay once we arrive.

How Much Does Emergency Boarding Cost?

Emergency boarding typically costs between £150-£500 depending on the number and size of openings, time of day and location. We provide a clear price before starting work — no hidden charges.

Permanent Repairs

Once your property is secured, we'll arrange a follow-up visit to survey the damage and quote for permanent glazing repairs or replacement. We work directly with insurance companies and can handle the claims process on your behalf.