FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) estimates that almost 40% of small businesses don’t reopen after a flood hits their business. Owners say that it’s costly to recover since most don’t have flood insurance. Take note that standard commercial insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by flooding.

Why You Should Get Commercial Flood Insurance

Weather is unpredictable, and you must protect your livelihood. Commercial flood insurance cuts additional budget for flood cleanup, water remediation, and reopening costs. It is more necessary if your business’s building is located in a region prone to hurricanes or near rivers that can overflow during heavy rains. 

Also, remember that your business doesn’t need to be in a high-risk flood area to suffer flood damage. Though it’s more expensive, it’s always best to get a package covering the building and its contents.

Preparing Your Small Business from Flood Damage

1. Know Your Location’s Flood Risks

If you haven’t done this before opening your business, check FEMA’s maps that show an updated list of flooding risks based on topography. If you just moved your business to a new location, make sure to understand flood risks in the area. 

If your building is located on a lower level or has a basement, it’s most likely that water pools and seeps through the walls when the ground surrounding your property gets saturated. Consider these following measures to lessen water damage:

  • Seal water entry points
  • Extend downspouts
  • Regrade the landscape around your business so that water flows away from the building.
  • Apply waterproof sealants to crack the floor, foundation, and framing joints.
  • Install a drainage system and waterproof membrane around the perimeter’s foundation.

Learn more about water damage restoration and cleanup by visiting this page.

2. Outline an Emergency Plan

Flooding often occurs at short notice, so it’s critical to have an emergency plan at hand during this stressful event. Your plan should include:

  • Contact numbers for energy providers, electricians, local government units, restoration companies you trust, and other relevant helplines
  • A list of immediate measures you can take if evacuation is necessary, like alerting staff and moving stocks
  • Key locations for electricity or gas services cut-off points

3. Create a Flood Continuity Plan

These are measures you can take to reduce the damage due to flooding and are important to keep your business running as usual. 

  • Regularly back up your data and files
  • Move essential business equipment, inventories, and files to a higher level
  • Move electrical sockets and wiring higher
  • Install non-return valves in your sewer pipes to prevent sewage backflow during the flooding.
  • Install a battery-powered sump pump to avoid minor floods or seeping groundwater
  • Anchor your fuel tanks since unsecured tanks may float away and release fuel in the floodwater.
  • Install floorboards in your doorways and other openings to prevent water from entering through the gaps.
  • Ensure that you have an emergency fund to pay your employees.

4. Train Your Employees

Your staff should know the flood warning alarm, as well as the things to do when it goes off. Educate them on the dangers of flooding and how to evacuate the building safely. 

After the Flood

If your small business is insured, it will not be hard to reopen after the disaster. Your insurance company will send a professional to inspect the site and assess the severity of the damage after you file a claim. For the cleanup, restoration, and repairs, you need a water damage company to make an estimate. The more information about the damage you can provide, the faster they settle your claims.

That’s why you need to find a reputable restoration company near you that can provide restoration services in Alexandria, VA, if you’re nearby. The biggest advantage of working with professionals in your area is that they can arrive at your location right away, avoiding further damage.