5 steps to develop and activate a flood emergency response plan

Consider your local climate and potential weather events, including what time of year floods might occur. Find out whether there are upstream controls such as embankments, levees or dams in the area; the likely extent of any flooding (rate of rise, depth, how long water levels will remain elevated); and how closed roads or bridges might affect your business. Understand the drainage systems within your facility.

To prepare your business for flooding, consider storing critical records, materials and key equipment in higher locations. Look into installing protective barriers and consider resilient systems such as non-electric water pumps, diesel generators and backup power supplies for critical utilities and systems. Install check valves on drainage systems and seal entry points for other utilities. Where practical, ensure that flood resistant construction features are implemented to exposed elevations.

The team should have clearly defined responsibilities and levels of authority. The team should:
 

• Identify authoritative sources for flood forecasting, alerts and incident status.
• Determine which business functions are most critical and will need resources quickly.
• Maintain contact lists of key personnel, suppliers, customers and response service providers.
• Maintain facility site and floor plans that show emergency shutoffs, utilities, fire prevention systems, etc.

Work with your response team to create an emergency plan to:

• Communicate with employees, customers, suppliers, government officials and the media about how the flood is affecting your business.
• Protect your employees from hazards, including contaminated flood waters, submerged objects or openings and electrical hazards. Designated responders require suitable training and will require adequate personal protective equipment.  
• Make sure the building is safe. If a flood occurs, contact professionals to verify your building’s stability before entering, then inspect facilities and equipment for damage. Initiate salvage assessments. Remove wet, porous materials and plan for collection and disposal of waste.
• Secure the facility Ensure that security and fire control measures (temporary if necessary) are in place. Isolate equipment and utilities. Plan for replacement of damaged utility equipment and electrical wiring. Evacuate the facility if needed.
• Train your employees so that flood contingencies are understood. Provide information about security, medical emergencies and relocation.

Work through your emergency procedures in advance. Following an incident (or near-miss) update your Flood Emergency Response Plan with lessons learned.

Flood insurance may provide financial protection for some losses. For further assistance please contact Chubb.

For more information on how to mitigate risks in your business, visit our Property and Casualty Risk Engineering page >

Additional guidance:

Download our Business Flood Plan Factsheet >

Download our Flood Planning and Mitigation Guidance >

Reference:

* UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 

UK Foresight Future Flooding 2004