State of emergency. Shelter in place. Stay at home. Executive orders. With individual states shutting down businesses and ordering their citizens to stay at home, there are lots of questions as to what’s considered a business that’s essential to critical infrastructure – who stays open and who must cease operations. Basement waterproofing contractors operating in different states are now facing the question of whether or not they should close for the time being.

As a business owner, you must clearly do what you think is best for your company, your employees, your customers and your community. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re allowed to stay open, read the following verbiage from CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:

“The attached list identifies workers who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability, including”…”maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure,” and “working construction.”

Then, under the Public Works Sector, even clearer language:

“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences”

Basement waterproofing by its very nature maintains the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences. This language covers your installation crews, but could also be applied to your office workers if you have any. Scheduling, customer service, and marketing positions could all be considered essential to the day-to-day operation of your business.

To give employees peace of mind when they’re commuting to and from work, some of our contractors are giving them letters that spell out their necessity to business operations. See below:

Regardless if you plan to stay operational during the COVID-19 crisis or not, please continue to take measures that will prevent the spread of the virus. Be safe, be responsible and be well!

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce