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Preparing your business for flooding

Business operations

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.

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.

We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.

Join the Business Perspectives Panel
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