How to Protect Your Business from Water Damage

Most people panic about the danger of fire. But you also need to protect your business from water, depending on where you live. Here are some practical ways you can prevent the worst.

Install Flood Gates

As a business owner, you need to protect your livelihood. Black-owned businesses are among some of the most at-risk when it comes to flooding in countries like the United States. Maryland, for example, has the highest number of small businesses owned by African Americans, at 3.5%. Yet Maryland is a flood-prone state because of its unique climate. And states like Louisiana have numerous problems. Yet, you can prevent some of the worst by installing floodgates. In addition, companies like 1-800 Water Damage can offer expert advice to protect your premises.

Protect Your Business from Water on a Higher Floor

Flooding can be a nightmare and can cause more damage than flames. Water comes in from nearby sources in a tempestuous wave of horror. However, unlike fire, it stays firmly on the ground thanks to gravity. And fortunately, in most cases, flooding rarely exceeds the height of two stories. Therefore, it's a great idea to set up your business on a higher floor if you operate in an area where flooding is a genuine threat. This way, any floods coming in will likely cause minimal damage. However, you will still need insurance, and your electrics will get damaged.

Don't Neglect Risk Assessments

The best way to tell if you are in danger of becoming a victim of flooding is to perform a risk assessment. A flood risk assessment takes in numerous metrics to decide the likelihood of a water-based event. Your insurance company will likely do this if you request a policy against flooding. You are more at risk if you live near the coast or a river. However, there's also the possibility of groundwater flooding, which occurs when the surrounding land can't absorb an excess of water. This usually happens after rainstorms. You also might be in a flood zone.

Know What to Do In Case of Flooding

Of course, you can install floodgates and move to a higher office. But even the best prevention methods aren't much good if you don't know what to do. Like a fire emergency, your employees must know what to do should a flood occur. Here are some flood emergency suggestions:

• Gather medical emergency supplies as quickly as possible.

• Ensure everyone knows the nearest exits and muster points.

• Perform a roll call as soon as possible. 

• Invest in evacuation dinghies and place them on a high floor.

• Keep accurate medical HR files on employees in case of emergency.

• Keep your radio on and stay informed of the situation.

• Give employees emergency contact phone numbers.

Having a flood hot your business would be a nightmare. But you can alleviate some issues by preparing for the worst. Additionally, you must ensure that all employees know exactly what to do in an emergency by holding regular drills for both fire and water evacuation procedures.

Keep Appliances Raised

You know that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Electricity travels through water because there is no resistance. Which is essential for conduction. So it's a good idea to try to keep electrical equipment and appliances away from water. If you live in a flood-prone area, placing your staff kitchen and office network on a higher floor will help. However, flooding can come from a burst pipe or torrential rain. And you could have a ground floor office. In this case, you can keep electrical appliances raised on wooden plinths with rubber grips or feet.

Stay Proactive to Protect Your Business from Water

If you operate in a flood zone, there is a higher potential of damage to your business. But even if you don't, there is the chance you could experience a disaster. Staying proactive can help reduce the chances of a flood occurring and minimize the damage. For example, you can keep an eye on weather reports by checking the local news and using apps. Additionally, invest in flood prevention systems like flood gates at the entrance of your premises. And providing the relevant training to employees will always be a big help, so make sure they know what to do.

Back-Up Your Data Regularly

It's almost impossible to run a modern business without the use of computers and the internet. Tons of data go through your business every day, from credit card transactions and payment receipts to company emails and private employee data. As such, you are responsible for any data you hold. And losing company data could cost an amount of money you can't come back from. Fortunately, all you have to do is back up your data as often as possible. You can hire a managed IT service to do this for you, so you can get up and running again in no time.

You need to protect your business from water damage. Start by installing flood gates, training employees in emergency procedures, and backing up company data as often as possible.