By taking action to prepare in advance for flooding, most businesses can save 20-90% on the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment, as well as a lot of trouble and stress. It is vital that organisations:
- Find out if they are at risk of flooding.
- Find out about flood warnings.
- Plan to protect property and minimise financial risks.
- Ensure the safety of all staff.
Responding to a flood warning can make a substantial difference to flood-related damages. There can be savings of up to 80% on stock and moveable equipment. Taking action in response to flooding can also help to minimise business interruption and the cost of getting back in business – factors which often outweigh the direct physical costs of flooding. You can help reduce the cost of flooding to your business by taking a few simple, low cost, or no cost steps to minimise the effects of flood waters. More expensive actions can be taken to make bigger savings.
No Cost Tips
Find out if flood warnings are available in your area and, if so, put in place measures to ensure you will be sent or have access to the warnings.
Monitor the weather forecast and rainfall radars to see if torrential rain is expected.
Write a flood plan and keep a copy(ies) in a safe place and off site. Train staff to be prepared for flooding.
Be ready to move important equipment or stock, such as computers, above flood level upon receipt of a flood warning.
Keep a store of strong plastic bags to place around the legs of furniture when you receive a flood warning.
Identify a suitable location for evacuation of vehicles to higher ground.
Consider the height at which goods are fixed, stored or displayed – the higher the goods the less chance of damage.
Copy vital hard copy and electronic records and store them in a safe place. This includes financial and insurance records, designs and specifications, staff, customer and supplier databases and staff files.
Low-Cost Tips
Purchase a pump, so that water can be removed as quickly as possible once waters have subsided.
Install back flow valves on all toilets and drains.
Raise electrical sockets above flood level.
Raise electrical machinery on a platform above the expected flood level.
Buy sturdy plastic sheeting for use in case of a flood warning. Place large furniture on top of the sheeting and raise the sheeting around it.
Move computer servers permanently away from the basement or ground floor.
Secure equipment that could move or fall during a flood.
Store stock on pallets or shelving.
Move archive stores permanently away from the basement or ground floor.
Higher Cost Tips
Move air-conditioning and heating systems permanently away from the basement or ground floor.
Purchase machinery with motors, gear boxes and programmable electric controls that are above flood level (ie. at the top).
Purchase an emergency power generator.
Purchase permanent or semi-permanent flood protection products.
Install drainage, a sump and sump pump in basements, so that water is channelled to the sump and can then be pumped outside.
We are here to help
If you are concerned about how this affects you and your business and would like support in assessing your needs, we are here to help. Please do get in touch for confidential advice and guidance.
This article was adapted from an article by Travelers which can be found here.