Preparing your business for flooding
If you are a business owner, it’s important to be prepared for any flooding situation. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your business is prepared for potential flooding.
- Review: Flood maps to determine whether or not your business is on a floodway or flood fringe zone.
- Download: theflood preparation business checklist.
- Visit: The City of Calgary's Stay informed page.
Prepare your buldings
- Locate electrical, gas and water shutoff valves, and know how to turn them off.
- Secure or relocate to higher ground any unstable materials that may be swept away or moved by flood waters (for example: pallets, lumber, fuel tanks, equipment).
- Identify any materials that could cause damage if they came in contact with flood waters (ie. paints, fuel, fertilizers, etc.)
- Ensure your property grade always slopes away from buildings.
- Move electronic equipment (computers), furniture, valuables and important documents or records to an area safe from flood waters.
- Ensure you have sump-pumps with backup power and one-way valves installed in wastewater drains.
Prepare your employees
- Discuss your business emergency plan with employees, even if it is informal
- Ensure employees are aware of any hazards.
Prepare your business
- Make a plan for a temporary location if your business is forced to relocate.
- Create a communications plan for your employees, suppliers and customers in case of an emergency.
- Keep important documents (electronic and paper) in an alternate location.
- Keep an accurate count of your inventory.
- Talk to your insurance company to fully understand your policy regarding flooding or water damage.