Flooding can be one of the most costly and damaging events for both homeowners and businesses without a proper flood response plan. The repair bills, lost inventory, and the disruptions to daily operations can quickly add up, sometimes reaching into the thousands - or even more. 

But here's the good news: with flood preparedness, you can cut down on these costs and protect your property from major damage. At Flood Response Assistance, we’ve helped hundreds of property owners with our 24/7 Flood Maintenance and Response Plan. Here are some of the steps we recommend to our clients, all with flood response plans tailored to their specific property.

Understand Your Flood Risk

The first step in preparing for flooding is understanding your flood risk. Many areas, even those not classified as flood zones, are susceptible to floods. By getting a flood risk assessment, you can determine the likelihood of flooding in your area and take the appropriate steps to mitigate that risk. This information can help you plan and budget for flood protection measures and avoid unexpected costs down the line.

Invest in Flood Protection Products

A huge part of flood preparation involves flood protection products like flood panels, barriers, and seals. Our sister company, Flood Risk America, designs and supplies customizable flood panels for businesses and homes. They are highly effective at creating an airtight seal that keeps floodwaters out.

Whether you’re protecting your basement, storefront, or any other vulnerable spots, the right flood protection can prevent extensive damage and help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. 

Create a Flood Response Plan

Having a well-thought-out flood response plan in place can make all the difference in preventing damage and minimizing the impact of a flood event. Here’s what a good flood emergency plan should include:

• Clear Evacuation Procedures - If you need to evacuate, have a plan in place. This includes knowing the safest routes, how to transport essential staff or family members, and where to go if you have to leave the premises.
• Deployment Team - Have a designated team ready to act. Make sure everyone knows their role, whether it’s installing flood panels or helping with evacuation.
• 24/7 Flood Response Contact - Flood emergencies can happen at any time, which is why having a response team on call is crucial. Flood Response Assistance offers round-the-clock service to help deploy your flood panel system.
• Communication Plan - Ensure that everyone involved knows how to communicate during an emergency. Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, utility companies, and flood response teams.
• Inventory and Insurance Documentation - Keep an up-to-date inventory of your valuables, equipment, and supplies, and make sure your insurance covers flood damage. This will make it easier to recover after the event.
• Post-Flood Recovery Plan - Know what steps to take after a flood, including how to clean up, assess damage, and begin repairs. This plan should also include how to get your business or home back to normal as quickly as possible.

The key is preparation - it’s never too early to start!

Keep Insurance Updated

Flood insurance is a crucial tool in managing flood-related costs, but it needs to be adequate and up-to-date. Many people are underinsured or don't fully understand their coverage. 

Regularly reviewing your policy ensures you're covered for the full extent of flood damage and can avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Also, maintaining flood protection products and a prevention plan may lower your premiums, saving you money over time.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Routine maintenance of your property and flood protection equipment is key to ensuring they work when you need them most. Regularly inspecting and servicing sump pumps, drains, and flood panels can prevent system failures during a flood event. Fixing small issues before they become major problems can save you a great deal of money in repairs.

Include Business Continuity in Your Flood Response Plan

For business owners, flood preparedness is not just about saving property but also about minimizing disruptions to operations. Having a business continuity plan can ensure that you remain operational even during a flood. Whether it’s relocating inventory or using flood barriers to protect essential areas, staying open for business will prevent the financial losses associated with downtime.

Take Advantage of Government Assistance

In many cases, local, state, or federal programs can help fund flood mitigation efforts, such as grants or low-interest loans. These programs provide financial relief to those who take proactive measures to protect their properties and can help offset some of the costs of flood preparedness.

By taking these steps to prepare for floods, you can protect your property, your business, and your finances. While the upfront costs of flood protection and preparedness may seem significant, the long-term savings far outweigh the potential costs of flood damage.

Contact us to learn more about how you can save thousands of dollars and prevent flood damages to your property.