Flooding and Business Owners
If your business is in a flood risk area you should have a flood plan in place. Make sure that all staff know what to do in case of a flood.
Be Prepared
- Insurance policies – are you insured for flood damage, business interruption and lost revenue?
- Make a list of important telephone numbers, including contacts for gas, electricity, water and telephone providers.
- Make a list of employees’ contact details in the event of an evacuation. This might include mobile telephone numbers, or numbers for their home or the home of a friend or relative.
- Think about staff who may need special assistance in the event of a flood (e.g. elderly or people with a disability).
- Incorporate a flood plan into your health and safety plan. Identify evacuation routes for staff. Organise emergency drill (as per fire drill).
- Know the location of cut-off points for gas, electricity and water. Ideally, these should be marked on a map that is stored with your flood plan.
- Be aware of the location of chemicals, oils or other materials that could be dangerous or contaminate flood water. These should be stored safe from floods and other hazards.
Protective Actions
- Note key stock, equipment and possessions that may need special protection from flood waters. Consider backup for IT systems.
- Consider things you may need during or after a flood (e.g. sandbags, plastic sheeting, loudspeaker, etc.).
- See if it’s possible to move key operations,such as shipping and receiving or customer services, to another building.
Suppliers and external links
- Identify products and services you will need in the event of a flood. Make back-up plans or arrangements for short-notice cancellation of deliveries.
- Consider contracting in advance with companies whose help you may need after a flood. This avoids the frustration of finding help in an emergency, and puts you in a better position to negotiate costs.
- Identify people who can help you before, during and after a flood.