Whether inland or on the coast, flooding causes major damage every year to homes and businesses. Floods damage infrastructure, cost billions in recovery funds and lost commercial output, and can create further pollution or contamination hazards in groundwater or crucial water systems. They can also happen suddenly with very little warning, which means that one of the best ways to keep your team and business safe is to prepare well in advance of flood conditions, so you can reduce their impact and help ensure a safe evacuation and full recovery process. Understanding and watching the emergency alert system, developing a business recovery plan, safeguarding your facility against damage, and communicating with your employees will help manage the disruption and devastation that flooding can cause.
Plan
A thorough, written plan should explain evacuation procedures, chain of command, property protection, insurance documentation, communication methods, and continuity.
Data Back-Up
Your company's personnel, financial, and customer data is vital to your day-to-day operations. Don't risk losing it. Keep paper documents that you'll need in an emergency in one place so that they can be quickly and easily gathered. Create digital copies of documents and store them securely online. Copy your servers on a regular basis.
Property and Inventory Documentation
Keep a photo library of your facility and vehicles. Regularly inventory your supplies, products, office furniture, electronics, etc. This information will help you assess loss, file insurance claims, or apply for recovery assistance.
Stay Alert
Don't be caught unaware. When flood warnings are issued, adhere to the corresponding instructions. Learn the differences between a Flood Watch, a Flood Warning, a Flash Flood Warning, and River and Coastal Flood Watches or Warnings.
Secure Facilities
When necessary, shutting operations down safely can mitigate damage. Relocate any critical or portable equipment, supplies, and stocks above ground level. Move hazardous substances to a safe location. Use any pratical, safe means to isolate and protect electrical or unmovable equipment. Temporarily turn off utilities when necessary.
Generator Usage
Practice caution when using generators. Never use them indoors or near an open window, as carbon monoxide poisoning can result.
Safe Driving
Do not drive through standing water. Even 6" of water is enough to stall most cars, and 12" of water is enough to wash away many vehicles.
Floodwater
Unfortunately, floodwater may contain insects, snakes, debris, gasoline, industrial waste, or raw sewage. Avoid injury and illness by not walking through it. If you come in contact with it, wash thoroughly with soap and clean water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Loss Assessment
When it is safe to reenter your workplace, take photos of any inventory, equipment, and property losses and document the physical damages. File insurance claims. Don't be afraid to seek help from agencies like FEMA or the American Red Cross.
Clean-Up
Clean hard surfaces with soap and water, then sanitize with a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons of water. Not all items touched by floodwater can be sanitized; throw away any affected food or porous items like mattresses or wooden cutting boards. Consult Environmental Protection Agency guidelines about mold cleanup or consult professionals.
Inform and Reconnect
Contact employees, clients, suppliers, local authorities, and local media about site conditions and your business's recovery schedule. Inform public sanitation agencies about site damage and potential contamination issues. Most importantly, make sure your employees and team members are safe and have their needs met at this time.
