Is Your Business Prepared For a Flood?

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Tips, be Prepared For a Flood, and Protect your Business.

Flooding is a lurking disaster that could happen at any time. When it does, is your Rocky Mount, NC business to handle the aftermath? Below are three essential ways to help make it easier for your business to thrive even during an unexpected event.

Important Tips to Protect your Business From Flood

1. Know the Risk

The first step is to determine if your business is located in a floodplain or near one. There are FEMA maps that make it easy to find out, helping you better understand how high of a risk you face. If your business is not in a flood-prone area, that doesn’t mean you are safe. Flash floods are called what they are for a reason. Heavy rainfall and snowmelt also create flood conditions. The building itself also needs to be factored in. Consider hiring a surveyor to determine the elevation of the foundation. If it is different than the surrounding ground, it may be more prone to water leaks.

An additional item to consider is the electrical components. Ensure they are not close to the ground to minimize fire risks associated with a flood. With the knowledge gained, you can then work with your insurance company to determine if additional coverage is needed for flood damage.

2. Establish a Disaster Plan

Every successful business should have a disaster plan established. It should encompass all the potential what-if situations, including an evacuation plan for fires and floods. This should be a detailed document that factors in vital business operations, employee safety and securing equipment.

A key component should be a contingency plan, which will help your business stay afloat during and after the event. If the power goes out, will it result in too much downtime? Consider establishing an alternate location to keep operations going, as well as have all data backed up via the cloud or off-site. Once the plan is established, it can never be overcommunicated. Ensure all employees know what to do in case of an emergency and establish key players to help ensure evacuation or hunkering down happens smoothly.

3. Mitigate the Risk

While flooding may not be avoidable, there are ways to minimize black water damage. There are many options available to help floodproof a business. From simply keeping sandbags on hand to purchasing flood barriers, it may make a big difference. Reinforcing the property is also essential. Ensure that gutters and storm drains are regularly checked for any debris. A backflow prevention check valve should also be installed to keep unwanted water coming up through pipes. Finally, check out the landscaping.

If the area around the foundation is barren, it means water may more easily slip through any cracks. The addition of mulch, plants, flowers and shrubs will help absorb excess water.

While flooding may be something a business owner hopes to never have to deal with, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Although total prevention is not possible, having clear knowledge of the risk level, a plan in place in case the event happens and reinforcing the structure are three ways to minimize unexpected downtime and water damage restoration.