Preparing Your Small Business for a Flood
Businesses, especially small ones, should always be mindful of risk involved with their undertakings. Natural disasters such as floods are particularly tricky due to their unpredictability. A business flood plan is a great place to start. Whether manmade or due to natural causes, flood damage poses a significant threat to your small business, but it can be greatly minimized with these steps.
Be Aware of your Business’ location on a Flood Map
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has flood maps (also known as Flood Insurance Maps or FIRMs) that will be of great use to you. These maps help to inform you of areas that have flood hazards and risks. They can also help to inform your future flood plans and flood insurance requirements. FIRMs must be checked regularly as they are updated and revised often.
Get Flood Insurance for your Business
If your business is located in a flood-prone area, an insurance package that covers both the building and its contents will be the best choice. It is vital that you understand the terms of the contract to best protect your small business.
Create a Flood Plan
To avoid flood damage, a flood plan may include backups for physical items, such as backing up important papers and critical business information to the cloud. There should also be alternatives for energy sources, such as a backup generator. Having such items will save you a lot of recovery time and help you reduce lost income. Another helpful item in a business flood plan is knowing how much items in your space are worth, so that you may find it easier when it’s time for recovery.
Train Employees
With a small business, you may be on your own or only have a few employees. If you have employees, they must know evacuation routes and procedures when there is a flood. Some things to consider are:
- What the flood warning alarm sounds like
- What to do when the flood warning alarm sounds
- What route(s) to take to safely evacuate
- What dangers flooding poses
If possible, some employees may even be trained to help shut down the business in the appropriate manner and put the right flood protection in place, such as sandbags or PVC flood boards.
Install Non-Return Valves
A business flood plan must also be preventative. During a flood, sewage can backflow and cause the contraction of diseases to anyone on the property. A non-return valve is a type of valve to be installed in a building’s manhole that protects against this. Disease is a different type of flood damage that is rarely considered, but it endangers yourself, your employees, and even rescue and relief personnel.
Raise Sockets
Water and electricity don’t mix. Raising electrical sockets greatly reduces the risk of electric shock during a flood, especially for those on the ground floor. Having a business flood plan can greatly reduce the flood damage done that many ill-prepared businesses suffer, especially small businesses. However, for further protection for yourself and your small business, contact Integrity Restoration & Remodeling Contractors LLC. We’re your local experts in water removal services in Alpharetta and we’re always here to help. Call us right away at (770) 966-9987.