Protect Your Business from a Flood

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

A serious—or even minor—flood can put you out of business. Make plans and take steps now to minimize flood damage.

Even if your building is located in a flood zone, there are ways to reduce the chances that a flood will damage your commercial property. Thinking ahead and taking some steps to prepare are the keys to minimizing commercial water damage.

What You Should Know

Flood zone: Check your local flood map on FEMA.gov to see if your property is in a flood zone. (Remember, floods can and do happen outside of flood zones.)

Learn your BFE: Check the FEMA flood map or local government authorities to see if your building’s lowest floor is above the base flood elevation (BFE). If not, consider raising your structure to at least three feet above the BFE.

Flood insurance: If you are in or close to a high-risk flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area), consider purchasing flood insurance.

What You Should Do Outside Your Building

Landscaping and drainage: Choose plants native to your area to help prevent soil erosion and improve drainage. Evaluate the slope of your property and your downspouts to be sure they direct water away from your foundation.

Fuel tanks: If you have fuel tanks on your property, anchor them to prevent damage to your building or other properties.

Barriers: Keep a supply of water-absorbent barriers, sandbags or tarps on hand to help divert water away from the building. If your building is below the BFE, consider adding watertight shields over doors and windows. If you repeatedly experience serious flooding, think about creating permanent flood walls around your property.

What You Should Do Inside Your Building

Electrical components: Help avoid system damage and electrical fires by raising electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) above your BFE by at least one foot. Have a backup electrical power system that can take over in a flood-induced power outage.

HVAC: Protect your HVAC components by moving them to an upper floor or constructing a floodwall around the equipment.

Shut-off valves: Know where your cut-off valves are for gas, water and electricity.

Cracks and leaks: Seal cracks and utility pipe penetrations with urethane-based caulk, and apply a waterproof coating to exterior and basement walls, especially if you have had leaks.

Flood-resistant materials: Choose materials that resist water damage for carpeting, wall coverings and insulation.

Sewer backflow valve: Prevent sewage from backing up into your building by installing an interior or exterior sewer backflow valve.

Sump pump: Install a portable sump pump and connect it to a generator or battery for backup.

If your business is hit by a water, fire, smoke, chemical, mold or other disaster, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your commercial building and property after a natural disaster. We also offer year-round commercial cleaning services and HVAC maintenance. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

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If your business is hit by a water, fire, smoke, chemical, mold or other disaster, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785