8 Ways to Protect Your Business From a Flood Loss

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.

Do you know how to protect yourself and your business? Have you created a plan in case the worse happens?

Here are some tips to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build:

1. Raise or Flood-Proof Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment. 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.
2. Anchor Fuel Tanks.  Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.  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.  Elevate tanks to a minimum of at least one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE).  Floating and/or damaged tanks pose serious threats not only to you and your business, but also to public safety and the environment.
3. Raise Electrical System Components.  Any electrical system component, including service panels (fuse and circuit boxes), meters, switches, and outlets, are easily damaged by floodwaters.  All components of the electrical system, including the wiring, should be raised at least one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE).
4. Cut drywall so that it is one-half to 1-inch off the floor.  This is especially important in basements.  Concrete floors commonly absorb ground moisture—especially in winter months.  That moisture can wick up the wallboard if it’s touching the floor, allowing mold to grow out-of-sight within the walls.   (You can hide the gap with wood or rubberized floor trim.)
5. Install Sewer Back-Flow Valves. 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.
6. Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls. 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. 
7. Store items (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.
8. Flood Insurance 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.

While it's never fun to think of the worst case scenario, it's always best to be prepared.