Steps To Take After Major Flooding In Your Business

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding is a common occurrence in many parts of the country, and West Nashville is no exception. As a smart business owner we know you want to be ready should the worst happen. Flooding is dangerous, and kills nearly 100 people yearly, in addition to causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the U.S. yearly. Being prepared can keep your business and your workforce safe in the event of a flood. 

• Step One - Know Your Area. Even if you think the risk of flooding will be low, it’s important to be vigilant. Understand your location’s potential exposure. You can reference the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service’s quarterly updates and maps to see what areas of Middle Tennessee are at higher flooding risk during certain times of the year. Historic flooding maps are also a helpful resource. Just knowing the potential rates of rising waters and how long it would take to drain off will be important pieces of information for you as a business owner.

• Step Two - Have Your Information At Hand. Be sure you keep all copies of your insurance documents and other key business information in a flood-safe location. Using the cloud for storage of business-related information will be essential when it comes to the potential loss of documentation. 

• Step Three - Be Prepared. Prepare your location for a flooding event. Investing in a sump pump could help to minimize damages, as well as maintaining gutters, drains, and roofing. Anchoring any fuel tanks is also a good step to take. 

• Step Four. Create a flood evacuation route and share it will your workforce so that they know how to get themselves and any customers to higher and safer ground if it becomes necessary. Invest in an emergency kit and keep it well-stocked, in case people get stranded in the building. 

When it happens:

• Step One - Roll Call. Make sure you know where everyone is and that they are safe. Do not encourage anyone to come to work if it is dangerous to do so, and keep people onsite if it isn’t safe to travel home. 
• Step Two - Call Emergency Services. Contact your local fire department and police, and let them know the status of your property and everyone involved.
• Step Three - Turn Off Electricity. If you have standing water inside or around your buildings, turn off all electricity and unplug appliances and computers, etc.
• Step Four - Stay Informed. Stay connected to local news stations to get updates and important information. The most important thing is that everyone is safe.  

When it comes to a flooding event, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville is here to help. We specialize in large-scale disaster repair and cleanup, so call us for assistance if your business experiences any kind of disaster.