Got flooded? Try These Tips to Streamline your Business Against Flood

Being flooded in your place of business is not a good thing. Equipment damaged and workers displaced because of no access to the workplace.

Flood is the most frequent and costly natural hazard in the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Flooding can occur at any time and can be more damaging during typhoons, monsoon season and more frequently, the failure of natural or man made waterways.

Flood warnings can come from various sources. To help prepare people for floods, it’s important to be prepared by having a disaster planning response team onboard. Understanding the potential for flooding, sources and the impact on your operations is the starting point to developing your plan and ensure non-interruption of business.

What to do Before a Flood

Preparation is key to prevent damage. Here are some measures that you can take to be safe from a flood disaster.

1. Drain plugs: Install drain plugs to stop floodwater from entering at vulnerable points where utility and sewer lines enter the building.

2. Flood Control barriers: Build flood control barriers around equipment or work areas within the facility that are particularly susceptible to damage should floodwater enter the building.

3. Backup systems: Have backup systems available for use during emergencies, such as portable pumps to remove flood water, alternate power sources (e.g., generators or gasoline-powered pumps), and battery-powered emergency lighting, located well above the high water mark.

4. Emergency kit: Have a flood emergency kit that is easily accessible in the event of a flood. This should include a flashlight, radio, copies of insurance documents and important phone numbers, spare batteries, medicines, blankets, food, dry clothes, a First Aid kit, a mobile phone and cash.

5. Disaster plan: Include a flood disaster plan in your health and safety plan. Identify evacuation routes, and organize emergency drills for staff. Factor employees who may need special assistance in the event of a flood (e.g., elderly, deaf, blind, handicapped, etc.).

What to do if Flooding Occurs

The important thing to do when flooding occurs is to keep calm and follow instructions.

Should your site is already flooded. Here are some tips to minimize the damage:

Tip #1. Turn off all electricity. Should the level of the floodwater rises, it’s best that the electricity is turn off to avoid accidental electrocution.

Tip #2. Back-up your files. Keeping a soft copy of your important papers is advisable should your hard copies or paperworks are damaged by the flood.

Tip #3. Move all your electronic equipments to a higher place. Electronic devices that were not damaged can be salvaged and must be moved to a higher place to prevent further damage.

Tip #4. If possible, pump out all the water after the floods>. Having a water pump in the workplace is a good idea to have around especially if it’s prone to flooding.

Tip #5. Keep communications lines open. Should there be a need for an emergency evacuation, an open communication line to the disaster relief team is the best option to be rescued. Wait for the team, do not venture out if the floodwater is raging.

Preparation is the key

With appropriate planning and preparation, you can help minimize flood damage and resultant losses. Employees should have regular emergency drills so they know what to do when a disaster strikes. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. By understanding and giving consideration to possible flooding scenarios, you can help ensure continuity in your operations.

What are your disaster preparedness plans?

There are different situations when dealing with disasters. One plan might not work in another work site. Best advice is to adapt to the changing scenarios and implement actions appropriate to that situation. Do you have any good disaster prevention plans for your business? Leave a comment below.