Mitigating Flood Risks

Mitigating Flood Risks

Flooding can pose a significant threat to businesses of all sizes, potentially causing severe damage and disruption. From property damage to business interruption, the consequences of a flood can be financially crippling. Regrettably, these weather events are no longer rare incidents and proactive measures can help mitigate these risks and protect your business from the devastating effects of flooding. In this blog post, we will explore practical steps and strategies to safeguard your business.

Understand Your Flood Risk

Before you can effectively mitigate flood risk, it's crucial to understand the specific vulnerabilities your business faces.

Whether you have operated from the same location for years, or recently moved in, assess the long-term flood risk in your area and sign up for flood warnings. Start by checking flood maps and consulting with local authorities to determine your property's flood risk zone, this knowledge will guide your risk mitigation efforts.

Helpful Numbers

  • The Environment Agency flood telephone helpline, the first port of call for the most up-to-date advice for your area. Their number is 0345 988 1188.
  • You can also sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct by calling 0345 988 1188  or online at Environment Agency
  • If you need to make a claim, please find more information and guidance on how do so at Expression Insurance claim
  • Call the National Grid immediately if you smell gas or suspect a leak, their number is 0800 111 999.

When faced with the threat of flooding and potential flood-related damage to your property and belongings, consider the following tips to enhance your safety and minimise property and possession losses.

Turn off electricity, gas, mains water supplies and shut off flow valves for propane gas or oil storage.

·        This prevents electrical hazards, as flooding can cause short circuits and electrical fires if water comes into contact with live electrical systems. Turning off electricity reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire. Flooding can displace gas lines and cause gas leaks, which can lead to explosions and fires. Turning off the gas supply prevents these dangers.

·        Floodwater often carries pollutants and contaminants. If the mains water supply is left on, there is a risk of water contamination, which can impact public health and require costly water treatment measures.

·        Shutting off utilities helps prevent damage to appliances, electrical systems, and gas-related equipment, reducing repair and replacement costs.

·        With utilities off, emergency responders and individuals can move about more safely during a flood without the added risk of electrocution, gas explosions, or contaminated water exposure. Disconnect appliances connected by rigid pipes to the mains supply. This prevents the pipes from snapping if the appliances float off.

Get things off the ground

Raise anything you can including essential equipment, electricals, stock and valuable documents to a higher level within your building. Floodwaters can cause extensive damage to electrical systems and equipment. By elevating these components, such as electrical panels and wiring, you can minimise damage and reduce the risk of electrical fires during a flood. Smaller items should be removed from the property for safekeeping, reducing potential damage and to minimise downtime.

Ensure immovable furniture is tied down and secure prevent it from floating and causing damage to other items. 

Often there are insurance policy conditions around keeping stock a minimum height off the floor, so this can be essential for your policy cover to operate.

Flood Barriers and Sandbags

Use temporary flood barriers and sandbags to prevent water intrusion during a threatened or impending flood. They can be used to cover the building's vents, doors, lower windows, and air bricks to reduce the amount of water that gets in.

Having these barriers readily available and a plan in place for their use can be invaluable in protecting your business.

Implement Proper Drainage Systems

Ensure that your property has effective drainage systems in place. Regular maintenance and clearing of drainage systems can prevent water build-up and minimize flood risks.

Backflow Prevention Valves

Consider installing backflow prevention valves in your sewage and drainage systems to prevent water from backing up into your business during a flood. Block sinks and baths with a weighed down plug as plugs can let in floodwater.

Create a Business Continuity Plan

Develop a business continuity plan, factoring in weather events such as flood, that outlines procedures for employees in the event of an incident. This includes evacuation plans, communication protocols, and data backup strategies. Having a plan in place can help you prepare for the unexpected and keep your business running if disaster strikes. 

Emergency Response Training

Ensure that your employees are well-trained in flood emergency response. Conduct drills and provide guidance on evacuation procedures and safety measures for example:

  • Once the flood has passed, remove all coverings to allow air to circulate as soon as possible.
  • Only re-enter your property when you are sure it is safe to do so.

Be aware of rogue traders and unsolicited contact from those who may attempt to take advantage of areas affected by flooding. At Expression Insurance our expert claims team are ready and here to support you in your time of need and supports the use of local tradespeople.

Review insurance cover

Check if your policy includes cover for flood. It's common for cover to be excluded in high flood areas and your policy will need the flood cover to be in place in order for the business interruption cover to operate. Business Interruption provides stability should you face the significant risk of having to temporarily pause business activity.

If your business is forced to close following a flood, the financial losses for your business, even for a short time, can be considerable.  A flooded building can take 2 months to dry out, or longer in the case of a severe flood.

If you are unable to operate during this period, business interruption cover can help minimise financial worries.  It’s important to have records of your income to evidence a business interruption claim so ensure these can be accessed even if there is damage at the premises.

Conclusion

Mitigating the risk of flooding in your business requires a proactive approach and a combination of measures. While it's impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, these strategies can significantly reduce the impact of flooding on your business. With the right combination of preparedness, insurance, and proactive measures, you can protect your business and ensure its long-term resilience in the face of flood risks.