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SMEs

What businesses should know about water damage

06/2022
a man walking in flood

Did you know that, according to Chubb claims data, your premise is more likely to have water damage - whether it’s from a leaky boiler or a flood - than damage from a fire? If your business owns or leases property or office space, it’s best to have a plan and be prepared—these practical tips will help get you started.

 

Conduct a water damage risk assessment.

A qualified insurance risk engineer can help you spot any issues and prevent water damage from happening in the first place. You’ll want to inspect all appliances that use water, including those in bathrooms, kitchens, and all water supply lines for high humidity levels, damaged pipes and hoses, and other plumbing leaks. Installing a water leak detection and shut-off system can help ensure that if a leak does occur, it can be caught early enough to mitigate damage.

 

Develop a plan and train the right people.

Work with a qualified insurance risk engineer to put together a water damage response plan that will help you to minimize damage to property and quickly restore your business operations in the event of a water damage event. Make sure to train all security, facilities, and property management staff, and conduct refresher courses each year.

 

Install flood gates.

If your business is located in a flood zone, consider installing flood gates to prevent water from coming into the facility. If permanent measures aren’t practical, you can install temporary flood gates, which can be attached to protect entry doors, windows, and exterior steps leading below grade.

 

Review your insurance.

Make sure you have appropriate and complete insurance protection in place, so that if you experience a water damage event, you and your business will be adequately insured.

 

What to do if you experience a flood

Once you’ve located the leak or water intrusion, relocate affected employees and—if it is safe to do so—contain the spread of water with your flood control kits; identify and shut off electrical equipment threatened by water; and try to remove the water within 72 hours to prevent mold damage.

If you’re a current client and need to file a claim, know that your Chubb team will respond quickly and do what’s right so you can get back to business as usual.

 

This content is brought to you by Chubb Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Registration No. 197001000564 (9827-A) (“Chubb”) as a convenience to readers and is not intended to constitute advice or recommendations upon which a reader may rely. Any references to insurance cover are general in nature only and may not suit your particular circumstances. Chubb does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and any insurance cover referred to is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions set out in the relevant policy wording. Please obtain and read carefully the relevant insurance policy before deciding to acquire any insurance product. A policy wording can be obtained at www.chubb.com/my, through your broker or by contacting any of the Chubb offices or Chubb agents. Chubb makes no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of this content. It is the responsibility of the reader to evaluate the quality and accuracy of material herein.

© 2023 Chubb. Not all coverages available in all jurisdictions. Chubb® and its respective logos, and Chubb. Insured.SM are protected trademarks of Chubb.

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