Flooding is a common natural disaster in rural and urban areas across Atlantic Canada and can occur during any season – from snowmelt runoff floods, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding.  Floods can pose a significant threat to small businesses, causing damage to property, disrupting operations, and leading to financial losses. Being prepared is key to minimizing the impact of a flood on your business.

Here are essential tips for small business owners can take to help reduce the risk and impact of flooding at their business:

Risk Assessment: Identify if your business is located in a flood-prone area. Evaluate the potential risks and vulnerabilities to understand the level of preparedness required.

Insurance Coverage: Secure comprehensive flood insurance. Standard business insurance often excludes flood damage, so a separate policy is crucial to ensure financial protection in the aftermath of a flood.

Emergency Plan: Develop a detailed emergency response plan. This includes evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and a list of emergency contacts. Ensure all employees are familiar with the plan through regular drills.

Protective Measures: Invest in flood barriers, sandbags, or other protective measures to minimize water intrusion. Elevate critical equipment and utilities to higher levels to prevent damage.  Install backflow prevention check valves to stop flood water from entering at vulnerable points. Consider installing sump pump(s) with backup pump and backup power supply in the basement or lower levels of the building.

Document Important Information: Create digital backups of important documents such as insurance policies, business licenses, and contact lists. Store physical copies in a waterproof container.

Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan to stay connected with employees, clients, and suppliers during a flood. Utilize multiple channels, such as phone, email, and social media.

Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay informed about weather conditions and flood alerts. Subscribe to weather updates and have a reliable source for real-time information to make timely decisions.

Secure Valuables: Move valuable inventory, equipment, and important assets to higher ground or secure storage. This helps prevent damage and expedites the recovery process.

Backup Power: Install a backup power system to ensure essential equipment continues to operate during power outages. This is crucial for maintaining communication and security systems.

Employee Training: Educate employees about flood preparedness, including safety measures and their roles in executing the emergency response plan. Knowledgeable and prepared staff can make a significant difference.

By incorporating these measures into your small business’s flood preparedness strategy, you can enhance resilience and mitigate the impact of potential floods. Being proactive and having a comprehensive plan in place ensures that your business can weather the storm and recover more swiftly in the face of adversity.

We have extensive experience insuring all types of businesses, from small one person operations to much more complex enterprises.  We can help make sure you get the right coverage at the best price.  If you have any questions, call the insurance experts at Munn Insurance at 1-855-726-8627.  We’d be happy to help.