Water damage is among the biggest hazards to the business community. Even the global Pandemic of COVID-19 did not push as many businesses off the market as floods do every year.
Statistically, each business suffers from water damage at least once in 5 years. And the ongoing trends don`t look too optimistic. Floods are happening more and more often worldwide due to various reasons such as global warming, change of coastline and landscape, etc.
It means that even if your business is located in an area that is historically not prone to floods, it is better that you start studying sandbagging or get yourself a flood gate as there is a big chance that in the next few years, the disaster will knock on your doors.
Just recently, Moscow, a city located on 7 hills and therefore geographically not prone to flooding at all, has literally drowned under a massive flood caused by excessive rainfall. The damage to businesses from such floods is simply unimaginable, especially for a city that still lives under pretty severe quarantine restrictions.
In this article, we shall discuss how you can protect your business from water damage and minimize your losses from the disaster. Moreover, we shall compare sandbagging, flood gates, and other popular anti-flooding solutions so you could pick the one that would be most appropriate for your business.
Is your business at risk of water damage?
The first step to preparing for a disaster is knowing how big is the risk at all.
The best way to do so is to contact your local Environmental Agency or Emergency Services and learn about the flood risks in your area. They can also instruct you on the flood prevention measures like sandbagging or temporary dam installation so you could react accordingly and be most efficient once the disaster strikes.
Sign up for flood warnings.
If your business is indeed at risk of water flooding, make sure to sign up for flood warnings. Those are 24-ahead text or automated call warnings that you get on the contact number you mention at the application.
In most countries, you can apply for those warnings through the emergency service website or phone number. There you can also learn whether local services recruit volunteers for sandbagging or provide complimentary assistance to local communities.
Does your business have a flood plan?
When it comes to actual flooding, it the owner`s responsibility to provide employees a detailed plan of action that will keep them safe in case of disaster and minimize the water damage.
The plan should ensure that each employee is aware of the floor plan of the business location and the emergency exits, flood protection measures and devices such as sandbagging, flood gates, etc., their location and operation.
Your flood plan should also include a clear list of actions in case of flooding, such as:
- Switch off electricity and gas;
- Move valuables and documentation to a safe area;
- Contact emergency services
- Evacuate visitors, etc.
If your business is located in an area prone to heavy flooding or you have received a flood warning that mentioned massive water rise, make sure that your personnel is informed about:
- How to build an efficient sandbagging dam or install flood gates;
- Where ventilation bricks and other passages are located and how to block them;
- How to operate in case of disaster if there are visitors or customers at the location.
In this case, you should also inspect the electric system in the location, raise sockets at least 1,5 meters from the floor. It is also essential to make sure that all the interior elements in your business are made of flood-resistant materials such as stainless steel or plastic. It will significantly reduce flood damage.
Train your employees for the flooding.
It is essential that your staff knows how to prepare for the flood and operate when the disaster strikes. You may want to purchase user-friendly and easy-to-operate anti-flooding devices such as Flood Gates. Unlike sandbags, they can be installed in a matter of several minutes. Moreover, just one person can do the job, and there is no need for special training or professional assistance.
Consider a sufficiency flood insurance plan for your business.
Contact your local insurance companies and consult about sufficient plans for your particular business considering flood risk in your area. It will protect your business in case of water damage to the equipment, goods, or location.
How to pick the best anti-flooding protection for the business?
There are several things you should consider while choosing the flood protection measures appropriate for your business:
- Money. How much are you willing to invest into flood protection, and how fast do you expect your investment to pay off. For example, sandbagging might be a minor investment compared to purchasing a Flood Gate, but it is a one-time solution. At the same time, a multi-use flood gate will pay off entirely after the first flooding event and can be used in the future;
- Time. In some areas, you may have hours and even days to prepare for the disaster, while in other locations, water may come unexpectedly, taking you by surprise. Sandbagging might be efficient and cheap, but it requires some extra time. At the same time, a temporary flood barrier can be installed in a matter of several minutes;
- Human resource. If your business has a big team of employees who can work together to protect the location from flood damage, you can consider such measures as sandbagging. If you work alone, have a small staff team, or don`t feel like wasting their work time on flood preparations, you may want to consider more modern solutions such as flood gates that can be installed by just one person.
Preparing your business properly for the flood you don`t only reduce the risks of water damage but support the local community. Once you don`t need additional assistance to overcome flood consequences, you can go back to operation sooner and help fellow entrepreneurs and local residents to get back on track.
Contact Dam Easy today and learn about our flood gates and other innovative solutions that will protect your business from water damage. We shall be happy to answer all your questions, arrange and deliver a personalized kit that will fit your measurements properly.
Protecting your business from water damage today, you preserve your prosperous future.
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