We can't control mother nature. But we can help eliminate your flood damage. Don't wait until it's too late - be proactive and implement your Flood Maintenance and Protection Plan today.
This summer has already been dubbed the “summer of flooding” in the United States - a clear sign that flood risks are intensifying and becoming harder to predict. When a flood strikes, there’s no time to figure things out on the fly. That’s why having a well-prepared emergency preparedness plan for flood events is crucial.
At Flood Response Assistance, we help businesses and property owners respond swiftly and effectively to flood and storm warnings. Whether you manage a commercial building, multifamily housing, or critical infrastructure, a proper plan gives you a clear path to stay prepared, minimize damage, and protect your property.
Why You Need an Emergency Preparedness Plan for Flood Events
As the risk of flooding continues to rise across the globe, it’s become clear that no property is truly immune. Even those located outside of designated flood zones are experiencing unexpected water damage due to changing weather patterns, outdated flood maps, and increasingly intense storm events.
That’s why having a flood emergency plan isn’t just for high-risk areas, it’s a smart, proactive step for any property owner. Being outside the flood zone doesn't mean you're out of harm’s way, and having a plan in place can make all the difference when the unexpected hits.
An emergency preparedness plan for flood events ensures:
- Fast, organized response
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Protection of people, equipment, and essential infrastructure
- Faster recovery and reduced downtime
Flood Emergency Plan Template
Below is a basic outline you can build upon for your own emergency preparedness plan for flood events. We recommend reviewing and updating it at least once a year, or after every major weather event.
1. Property Information
- Property Name/Location
- Emergency Contact(s)
- Utility Shut-Off Locations
- Flood Vulnerability Areas (e.g., entrances, garages, electrical rooms)
2. Flood Monitoring & Alerts
- Flood Alert Sources: (Examples: NOAA, local government alerts)
- Trigger Points for Action
(Example: “Deploy barriers if rainfall forecast exceeds 2 inches in 6 hours.”)
3. Roles & Responsibilities
Example:
- Flood Response Lead - The person who will oversee executing the plan and respond to any issues
- Communications Lead - Notify tenants/staff
- Maintenance Contact - To shut off utilities, inspect equipment
- Deployment Team - Install flood protection products
4. Flood Equipment Inventory
List your emergency flood protection equipment and storage locations:
- Flood panels: [Location]
- Sandbags: [Location]
- Tools or kits: [Location]
- Mobile pumps: [Location]
- Generators: [Location]
- Backup Systems: [Location]
5. Flood Panel Deployment Instructions
A flood panel deployment plan is created by the Flood Response Assistance team tailored to your property and the FRA flood barrier system installed for your property. A simple step-by-step deployment process can include:
- Retrieve flood panels from [Storage Location]
- Deploy in order: [e.g., main entrance → parking garage → mechanical room].
- Confirm all seals and brackets are secured.
6. Evacuation Plan (If Applicable)
- Evacuation routes
- Assembly points
- Contact list for vulnerable individuals
7. Post-Flood Recovery Procedures
- Safety inspection checklist
- Dry-out and dehumidification plan
- Contact insurance provider
- Coordinate clean-up and repairs
- Report damages to Flood Response Assistance
While this template is a great starting point, every property is different. At Flood Response Assistance, we offer professional flood risk assessments and create custom emergency flood plans tailored to your building’s unique needs.
Key Takeaways
Floods can happen anywhere, even outside of high-risk zones. A solid plan helps you act quickly, protect your property, and keep people safe. Make sure roles and responsibilities are clearly assigned so there’s no confusion during an emergency, customize your plan to your building’s specific risks, and regularly review and practice it with your team.
Having an organized emergency preparedness plan for flood events can be the difference between panic and peace of mind when the storm rolls in.
