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