<p>Though it still feels like summer, the fall, then winter storms are upon us. That can mean flooding, and water can cause a great deal of damage. Even if you're not in a designated flood plain, you can be susceptible to water damage.</p> <p><br />Do you know how to protect yourself and your business? Have you created a plan in case the worse happens?</p> <p>Here are some tips to protect what you&rsquo;ve worked so hard to build:</p> <ol> <li><em>Raise or Flood-Proof Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment</em>. In flood prone areas, a good way to protect HVAC equipment is to elevate it above the areas that can flood. Another method is to leave the equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it. </li> <li><em>Anchor Fuel Tanks</em>.&nbsp; Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.&nbsp; One way to anchor a tank is to attach it to a large concrete slab whose weight is great enough to resist the force of floodwaters.&nbsp; Elevate tanks to a minimum of at least one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE).&nbsp; Floating and/or damaged tanks pose serious threats not only to you and your business, but also to public safety and the environment. </li> <li><em>Raise Electrical System Components</em>.&nbsp; Any electrical system component, including service panels (fuse and circuit boxes), meters, switches, and outlets, are easily damaged by floodwaters.&nbsp; All components of the electrical system, including the wiring, should be raised at least one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE).</li> <li><em>Cut drywall so that it is one-half to 1-inch off the floor</em>.&nbsp; This is especially important in basements.&nbsp; Concrete floors commonly absorb ground moisture&mdash;especially in winter months.&nbsp; That moisture can wick up the wallboard if it&rsquo;s touching the floor, allowing mold to grow out-of-sight within the walls.&nbsp;&nbsp; (You can hide the gap with wood or rubberized floor trim.)</li> <li><em>Install Sewer Back-Flow Valves</em>. Flooding can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair but also create health hazards. </li> <li><em>Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls</em>. Even in areas where the flood waters are less than 2 feet deep, a structure can be severely damaged if water reaches the interior. The damage to walls can be expensive to repair, and the structure may be uninhabitable while repairs are underway.&nbsp; </li> <li><em>Store items</em> (computers, records and files, etc) vulnerable to flood damage above the flood level. Store vital documents (plans, legal papers, etc.) in a secure off-site location.</li> <li><em>Flood Insurance </em>Pays for damage sustained to your business personal property and building. In most cases, a flood policy goes through the National Flood Insurance Program, which you can access through any insurance agent. </li> </ol> <p>While it's never fun to think of the worst case scenario, it's always best to be prepared.</p> 2009-09-16T23:08:50Z -2.6531 143 6489 true 8 42032 8-ways-to-protect-your-business-from-a-flood-loss 2 2009-09-18T14:32:20Z 2009-09-18T14:32:41Z

Protect yourself from flood and water damage.

1 2009-09-18T14:32:41Z