How To Mitigate Flood Damage To Your Business

9/5/2020 (Permalink)

Every business owner should create a supply kit for employees in case of an emergency

Steps To Prepare Your Business For Flood Damage

Heavy storms may cause flooding in your Embreeville, TN, building. Water can easily get inside your property and harm your valuable assets. That is why you should take steps to prepare your business for flood damage.

Gather Supplies

Every business owner should create a supply kit for employees in case of an emergency. This way, workers will be prepared for a potential evacuation. Your kit should include the following:

• Batteries
  
• Water
  
• Food
  
• Whistle
  
• Cell phone
  
• Garbage bags
  
• Flashlight
  
  

Protect Your Belongings
Floods typically bring contaminated black water into a building. To keep your valuables dry and bacteria-free, store them in higher locations. Any key documents should also be put inside a waterproof container. You may also want to anchor key utilities, such as heating systems and electrical panels.

Stay Informed
You and your employees should understand whether your property is at an increased risk for flooding. FEMA provides a map that shows the chances of a flood developing in your area.
You also need to know when a major storm is coming. This will give you a chance to secure assets and evacuate the premises, if necessary. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Emergency Alert System should inform you if heavy rains are on the horizon. Your community may have its own warning system, as well.

Buy Insurance
Finally, before the big flood arrives, make sure your insurance policy is up to date. While your commercial property policy likely does not cover flooding, you should be able to purchase flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Keep in mind that the policy usually takes one month to go into effect.
With proper preparation, you can limit the damage that floodwaters cause to your property. Still, even if you follow mitigation procedures, your business may still be affected by a storm. If that happens to your company, try contacting flood cleanup and restoration professionals in the area.