Preparing your business for flooding

If your business is in a flood-prone area, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prepare. This guide outlines key actions to protect your business, including how to develop an actionable flood plan.

1.Check Your Flood Risk

The first step is understanding your business's vulnerability to flooding. Visit the UK Government's flood risk map here to see the likelihood of flooding in your area. If you’re relocating or opening a new business, choosing a low-risk location could save you immense financial stress in the future.

For established businesses, even if relocation isn’t an option, understanding your risk level is the foundation for planning.

2. Sign Up for Flood Warnings

If your business is located in a high-risk flood zone, sign up for flood alerts through Floodline Warnings Direct by calling 0345 988 1188. You can receive these alerts via phone, text, or email.

If you’re not eligible for this service, consider the Met Office app, which provides free flood alerts and allows you to set up email notifications.

3. Stay Safe and Legal

As a business owner, you bear more responsibility than just protecting assets—you must also comply with legal obligations under the Occupier’s Liability Act. This includes ensuring the safety of your employees, customers, and even neighbouring properties in the event of flooding.

For example, if an illegal drainage system on your property worsens flooding on neighbouring land, you could be held liable. Courts have ruled in favour of neighbour's in cases where business owners failed to take reasonable precautions. To avoid legal trouble, assess your flood risk and take necessary measures to mitigate potential damage to both your property and surrounding areas.

4. Create a Flood Plan for Your Business

A well-developed flood plan is as essential as any health and safety policy. This document should outline strategies to protect your premises, minimize downtime, and recover quickly. Here's what to include:

• Key Contacts: A list of internal contacts (staff, managers) and external ones (emergency services, Floodline).
• Evacuation Plan: Similar to a fire safety plan, this section should guide safe evacuation. Unlike fires, floods often give you more time to act, so include an actionable checklist of steps to secure your business.
• Resource List: Identify available resources, including staff roles and equipment. Appoint a flood coordinator responsible for executing the plan.
• Critical Locations: Map out essential infrastructure, such as fuse boxes, gas points, and water inlets, so these can be safely shut off in an emergency.
• Special Needs: Ensure a priority plan is in place for staff or customers with disabilities.

5. Modern Flood Prevention Systems

Instead of relying on outdated solutions like sandbags, invest in modern flood barriers. Temporary flood blocks, for example, are easy to deploy, reusable, and far more effective. An independent report by Sir Michael Pitt found no evidence that sandbags provide significant protection, so it's time to rethink your defence strategy.

While flood-proof doors are often marketed as a universal solution, many businesses will benefit more from portable barriers that can be quickly installed when needed. Given that the average flooded business incurs over £40,000 in damages and 40% of small businesses never reopen, investing in flood defence is a smart financial decision.

6. Insurance Won’t Cover Everything

Even if you have flood insurance, not everything is covered. Protect yourself by storing valuables and critical equipment as high off the ground as possible. If your building has multiple floors, keep important items on the upper levels to minimize risk.

It’s also essential to review your insurance policy closely, as coverage varies widely between providers. Some items, like certain types of stock or equipment, might not be included, leaving you vulnerable to significant losses. A proactive strategy to protect uninsured items is crucial.

7. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

While many businesses are waiting for local councils or government support to improve flood defenses, the reality is that it may not come soon enough. Taking personal responsibility for your business's flood preparedness is the best way to ensure its survival.

By creating a flood plan, investing in effective flood defense systems, and staying informed, you can safeguard your business against the unpredictability of flooding.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Flooding may seem like a distant threat, but being unprepared can lead to catastrophic losses. By following these steps—checking your flood risk, developing a flood plan, and investing in modern defence systems—you can significantly reduce the impact of floods on your business.

Don't wait for the next flood to strike. Start planning today, and ensure your business stays afloat no matter what the weather brings.