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Preparing Your Business for Floods | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights
10/25/2019 (Permalink)
If your business is not in a floodplain, flooding may seem like a non-issue, but the frequency at which they occur may be surprising. About 90% of natural disasters include flooding, with many of the areas affected being ones that are not typically susceptible.
Business owners are wise to seriously consider their flood risk and plan for it. Not only will this help keep them and their employees safe in the moment, but it will also make the process of restoration and reopening that much easier. That is why preparing the workplace for a flood is a wise decision.
Business owners should understand their risk, work with their employees and create a safety net in advance in order to ensure they can reopen following a flood. Key planning points include:
- Finding the FEMA Flood Map and evaluating your level of risk
- Keeping records and paperwork copies in a secure location away from the business
- Drafting an Emergency Action Plan and host a training to be sure all employees know what to do
- Creating a clear evacuation route for all areas of the office
- Determining if your insurance includes flood coverage and considering purchasing it if not
- Compiling an emergency kit for the workplace in case you are stranded and must wait on assistance
- Moving any valuables or computers to higher areas
As you begin the business restoration process, having your business documents handy will be quite helpful. It is suggested to keep important papers offsite, such as:
- A copy of your Business Continuity Plan
- Emergency contact information for employees
- Policy details for your business and flood insurance
- Contact information for any crucial suppliers, vendors or other parties essential to the business
- Instructions to back up computers and recover files
- Financial and bank records
If your business has experienced a flood, we are always here to help. Call us 24⁄7 to get our team of professionals to your business quickly so you can get back on track.