Statistically, businesses are more likely to be flooded than to burn down. Although floods cannot be predicted, you can prepare for them by using the checklist below. (Source: OHS Insider, with information compiled from the US Small Business Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)

Planning for a Flood

Find out if your facility is in a flood plain

Learn the history of flooding in your area

Find out about the elevation of your facility in relation to streams, rivers and dams

Review your community’s emergency plan and evacuation routes and where to find higher ground

Establish warning procedures for your facility

Establish emergency communication procedures, e.g., alert notification system, phone tree, etc.

Establish and practice evacuation procedures for your facility

Inspect the parts of your facility that are subject to flooding

Identify records and equipment that can be moved to a higher location

Make plans to move records and equipment if a flood occurs

Purchase a radio that picks up Environment Canada’s Weather radio broadcasts (NOAA Weather Radio in the US) and use it to listen for flood watches and warnings

Talk to your insurance agent about your policy and coverage

Before the Flood

Review your Emergency Plan with your response team and key employees

Take all necessary steps to prevent the release of dangerous chemicals stored on your property

Locate main gas and electrical shut-offs

Anchor all fuel tanks

Postpone scheduled deliveries of goods

Identify meeting place and time for all key employees on your Crisis Management Team

Create voicemail for evacuation or out of office

Update disaster recovery kits

Activate crisis back-up procedures

Maintain accurate inventory of product on site

Use plugs to prevent floodwater from backing up into sewer drains, or install flood vents or flood proof barriers

Stay tuned to local media community messaging

During the Flood

Remember that life and safety take precedence over everything else

Implement next phase of your business continuity plan

Send non-critical staff home

Raise elevators to the second level and turn off power

Stay tuned to local media and evacuate as instructed or when circumstances require

Take cell phones, charger, critical hardware and emergency kits with you

Unplug electrical items before leaving

Consider redirecting business phones to your cell phones or an answering service

Have a central point of contact for all employees so you can find out where they’re located during and after the flood

After the Flood

Listen to news reports to verify the community water supply is safe to drink

Avoid floodwaters, which may be contaminated or electrically charged

Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of your car

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet

Implement Disaster Recovery Plan

Assess damage

Notify key people of next steps on basis of damage assessment

Contact employees via determined communication method and discuss next steps

Contact your insurance agent