Tips to protect your business from flood damage guide, Avoid property flooding, House decor help

Tips to Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

23 June 2021

Floods are one of the natural hazards that everyone should be aware of. Flood damage can severely hurt one’s business, and it is important to keep this in mind when building a business or taking over an existing one. Business owners who have a basement might want to consider laying it out so that water can flow easily towards an exit. This is not only a good way to prevent flooding but also a good use of space.

The walls surrounding the company’s assets should be waterproof and free from any leaks as this may cause damage. It is important to know that floods do not only happen during rainy seasons; they can take place at any time regardless of what part of the world you are in. On an occurrence of floods, hiring plumbing and water damage restoration services will help in dealing with the stress associated with floods. To avoid the devastation of floods’ damage to their business, business owners can follow these tips:

Tips to Protect Your Business from Flood Damage Guide

Take appropriate flood insurance coverage

Business owners are required to be proactive people by nature. Entrepreneurs operating in the Volunteer State always look for flood insurance in Tennessee that covers such damages to their business belongings and assets without hesitation. When starting a new business, it is important to ensure that their company has insurance coverage for any natural hazard that might befall their area, including floods.

Before taking the flood coverage, people should do thorough research on the company they are interested in. There are many companies that specialize in flood coverage, and they can provide people with information on what they need to do to be able to get a good deal for their insurance. Apart from private companies, one can also get flood coverage through the federal’s National Flood Insurance Program.

Landscape with native plants

Trees are very helpful when it comes to stopping water from getting into a business premises. Therefore, it is important for people who own businesses in flood-prone areas to consider planting trees around the property they are occupying. Apart from trees, other long-lasting plants such as bamboo and vines can also be used to help with the construction of fences since they do not cost very much.

Employ dry floodproofing techniques

There are various techniques that can be used to help protect a business premise from flooding. One of the most common is using permeable paving stones for rooftops that cause rainwater to flow freely. It is also important to make sure that all the walls surrounding the property are waterproofed.

Create a flood plan

For anything to be successful, one must plan prior to the event. To prevent flooding, business owners should create a flood plan that can help them in case of any eventualities. A flood plan helps people to get organized quickly so that they can save whatever assets possible. This also provides business owners with information on what they need to do to get out of harm’s way fast. Some of the things to include in the flood plan include protective actions, crucial contacts, key procedures to be used by employees, among others.

Formulate a business continuity plan

Floods are disasters that everyone needs to be prepared for. Having a business continuity plan will help companies perk up quickly when they get back on their feet after the flood. A business continuity plan is beneficial in various ways. Not only does it help the company resume its operations faster, but it also helps people understand how to cope with any disruptions that might be brought about because of the loss. It is important to remember that no matter how much one prepares, floods are unpreventable and therefore should not be taken lightly.

Provide adequate training to the staff

To prevent further damages, employees should be engaged through various ways before a flood strikes. Company owners need to invest some time and money in training their staff to respond appropriately when a disaster takes place. Employees who have been well-trained know what needs to be done during a time of need which helps the business to recover faster. A flood can be emotionally draining for some people, and they might need assistance to cope with the situation. Another thing that employees should know is how to relocate quickly after a flood or where to go if possible.

Understand a company’s offense and defense

When there is a natural disaster, it affects everyone. Since floods are inevitable, business owners should identify their strengths and weaknesses in case of a flood emergency. A good example includes having a list indicating which assets can easily be moved or how to protect those they cannot move. In addition, people should also identify the best way of reaching the company and how to protect vital equipment.

Business owners must master their businesses flood zone

Being a business owner means being well-equipped with information about the business they are in charge of. In order to be able to protect their businesses from floods, people should know if their premises are located in high-risk areas that might result from flooding. For those who own property that is currently not located in a flood zone but was previously identified as one, one should try to understand the risks they face in terms of floods. They can locate their businesses’ flood zone through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Centre or the county government.

Raise or Flood Proof HVAC equipment

To protect a business from flooding, it is important to ensure that all equipment is elevated from the ground level. This means avoiding placing things on the floor, as this puts them at risk of being destroyed when flooded. One should also ensure that heating and cooling systems are raised off the floor or waterproofed before a flood strikes.

Raise electrical components

Electrical components like wiring, switches, sockets, circuit breakers, fuse boxes, and panels should be raised off the ground because they are prone to flooding. This can be done by a licensed electrician. Another thing that businesses need to do is determine where electrical components are placed to be able to locate them when needed quickly. People can also opt to use sub-panels so that if an area gets flooded, the main panel will not get destroyed.

Seal cracks and gaps

Sealing up all gaps and holes is important because they are entry points for floodwaters. For this to be effective, one must use high-quality materials, preferably urethane-based caulk and sealant. People should also make sure that they seal up the gaps and holes properly, including electrical outlets and switch boxes.

Have a standby generator

When businesses have a standby generator, it means that even if there is no water or power supply present, they remain operational since generators can produce both of these things. The business will not have to invest in any fuel or oil. In case a generator becomes submerged under water, it is important to drain the carburetor and dry it thoroughly before starting it up again.

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