In our last article, we discussed ways to protect a business and its employees from the ever-present risk of a fire. Fires are only the beginning when it comes to disaster preparedness for all business types and sizes. Floods are another common disaster that can wreak havoc on a business. While some areas of the country are more prone to flooding than others, a flood can occur at any time.
This article will provide guidance on how to manage the effects of a flood, both during and after the event.
Learn your BFE
Every business should know their property’s base flood elevation (BFE). This statistic will inform you of whether or not your business is susceptible to flooding. The lowest level of the building should be a bare minimum of 3 feet above the BFE in order to stay secure against potential floods.
Creating flood checklists
It’s important to have an action plan in place for any crisis, and flooding is no exception. The business should have a checklist of items to address if a flood is imminent, and one to address after a flood has occurred. This list should include concerns about the building’s structure, the inside of the building and its contents, and most importantly, the people who work at the establishment. Be sure to address the emotional state of your employees regardless of whether or not they were physically hurt during the flood.
Prepare in advance
There are different options for flood-proofing your establishment. Assuring that your business is built at a slight slope will allow water to naturally gather away from the building’s foundation. Applying waterproof coating will give your business an edge against any incoming flood. In addition, be sure that your building has a backup power source in case of lost power during a flood.
Insurance measures for flood protection
- General liability insurance remains an important part of any disaster coverage package, which is exactly why it is required by law for all businesses to have.
- Unfortunately, most commercial property insurance plans do not cover flood damage, as they do other disasters (like fire and theft). Many insurance companies offer a flood insurance coverage option that can be added on to the typical commercial property plan. If you’re situated in a flood-prone area, this is a smart option that could safeguard the future of your business.
Flood preparations are an essential part of any business’s emergency response strategy. In our next article, we will give tips for navigating crises caused by other natural disasters.
Whether you’re handling a disaster-related crisis for the first time or simply trying to obtain your first commercial insurance, Superior Insurance and Auto Tags is here to help. We offer a wide variety of quality, affordable coverage options for businesses throughout Pennsylvania. With more than 25 years of experience and the support of our longtime policyholders, we’re positive that our team can find a plan suited to the specific needs of your business. Get in touch with one of our agents today!