Flood risks pose significant challenges to businesses in the U.S., Canada and around the globe. Most of the world's population live in close proximity to the coast or major inland waterways, placing many homes and businesses at risk of a flooding disaster. Major storms and floods have the potential to destroy property, take lives and cripple businesses.

To protect your business from a water disaster, the first step is to identify and understand your risks. This should include surveying the locations of your current or future buildings to identify whether they are located in a flood zone or will be built in an area at risk of future flooding. For current buildings, mitigation measures should be implemented, such as ensuring key electrical and mechanical equipment is above grade level, installing flood prevention measures such as pitched drains and sump pumps, and investing in technologies to alert you to water intrusion.

Create a plan for mitigating flood risk

If properties have been identified as at risk of flooding, create a Flood Emergency Response Plan (FERP). The plan should:

  • Designate a person in charge. The FERP coordinator should have authority to initiate the plan and to direct resources before, during and after the emergency. This person should also closely monitor storms to assess the need and appropriate timing to activate the plan.
  • Identify key personnel. Maintain a list of personnel who have FERP responsibilities and ensure they know their duties in the event of a flood.
  • List and stock key provisions. This should include materials for protecting the building, such as sandbags, plywood and nails, tarps, portable pumps, as well as emergency supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, radios, first aid kits and lighting. In addition, ensure fuel tanks are full in emergency generators, fire pumps or vehicles that could be of use in an emergency.
  • Develop a communication system. You need a plan to alert employees of incoming storms or impending floods. A communications plan can be anything from automated text messages to a phone tree. Make sure any plan includes alerts to tell key personnel to be on stand-by for flood preparation actions.
  • Account for equipment shutdown. Create procedures for safely shutting down equipment and processes.
  • Establish polices for personnel who remain on site during a flood. This should include clear directions that employees must not attempt to move or service wet electrical equipment, are forbidden from going outside in periods of heavy rain, lightening or other electrical conditions, must shelter in-place in an above-grade internal room if necessary and must leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued.

How to proceed after a flood

Once flood waters subside and the site is deemed safe, the company should begin to assess damage and start salvage efforts. The following steps should be considered:

  • Be aware of downed power lines or other hazards caused by the storm. Report any outages or damage to the utility companies.
  • Repair damaged fire protection equipment.
  • Communicate with contractors regarding repair work as their services may be in short supply following a major storm event.
  • Clean drains and roofs of debris.

HUB Risk Services can assist you in development of a location specific plan. Click here to download our Flood Emergency Response Planning guide or contact a HUB Risk Services Consultant for more information.