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 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 to survive a flood, consider storing critical records and key equipment in higher locations. Look into installing protective walls, waterproof closures, and backup systems such as non-electric water pumps, diesel generators, and battery-powered lighting in your facilities. Install check valves where utility and sewer lines enter the building, and move vulnerable equipment, raw materials, and finished products away from doors and windows.

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

• Identify how and from whom you’ll get updated flood information (FEMA, OSHA).
• Determine which business functions are most critical and need resources quickly.
• Maintain contact lists of key personnel, suppliers, and customers.
• Locate 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 contaminated flood waters and electrical hazards. If a flood occurs, insist that they wear sturdy rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and respiratory protection, and do not assume any part of a flooded electrical system is safe. 
• Make sure the building is safe. If a flood occurs, contact professionals to verify your building’s stability before entering, then inspect all equipment for damage. Remove wet, porous materials and replace damaged HVAC, water heaters, controls, gas valves, and electrical wiring.
• Shut down equipment, utilities, and evacuate the facility.
• Train your employees to make sure they understand what to do if a flood occurs; provide information about security, medical emergencies, and relocation.

Run through your emergency procedures before a flood happens to ensure a speedy, safe, and proper response. If you do experience a flood, update your Flood Emergency Response Plan with lessons you’ve learned.