FEMA reported that more than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside of flood zones. This means it’s important to take precautions to protect your property before a flood occurs, even if your business is located outside a typical flood zone.
Here are some tips to prepare your property for a flood:
- Create a flood plan that includes evacuation routes; crucial business details; gas, water and electric supply information; contact sheets for people and their responsibilities; inventory and electrical equipment details; and a list of disaster recovery companies.
- Create a data backup and recovery plan so critical business data is regularly backed up and stored offsite or in the cloud since data loss can severely impact business operations.
- Utilize dry floodproofing techniques, such as keeping flood-protective materials on hand, installing watertight shields over doors and windows, and implementing flood gates or permanent flood doors.
- Raise important equipment, electrical components and documents above expected water levels and store them in waterproof and fireproof containers if necessary. Landscape with native plants and vegetation to prevent soil erosion and allow flood waters to drain more efficiently.
- Use flood-resistant materials for floor and wall coverings, insulation and building exteriors.
- Inspect the exterior building and roof/gutters regularly to ensure they can withstand wind and water from storms and flooding.
- Verify that all installed backflow valves and closures are functional to prevent chemicals, toxins and debris from entering clean water supplies.
- Have backup systems such as portable pumps and alternate power sources located above the base flood elevation.
- Anchor fuel tanks to prevent damage to your building or other properties downstream, along with potential leaks, fires, explosions or pollution risks.
Download our free Flood Preparedness and Response Guide for Businesses.
The precautions you take today will help protect your property when flooding occurs.
