Protect your business from flooding

Introduction

Flooding can be a disaster for any business. As well as damage to premises or equipment, you may lose stock and supplies and find that you cannot trade while the damage is repaired. You may lose contracts and your customers may go elsewhere. Even if the flood does not impact you directly, you may find suppliers are unable to meet your needs or flooded employees cannot get to work.

In addition to heavy financial losses, a flood may expose your business to civil or even criminal liability. In the worst-case scenario, employees and customers can be hurt or killed.

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters. Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding. Over 2.4 million properties in England and Wales are at direct risk from river or sea-flooding with a further 2.8 million properties susceptible to surface water flooding. Elsewhere, heavy rain can cause groundwater to rise and blocked sewers could cause your business to flood.

Simple preparations and planning can help. This guide explains how to assess the risks, protect your business and what to do after a flood.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Assess the risks of flooding
• Draw up a flood plan
• Insure your business against flooding
• Reduce potential flood damage
• Train employees to deal with flooding
• What to do after a flood

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