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Protect Your Small Business Against Flooding

July 12, 2023

In today’s society, small businesses need protecting at all costs. After a difficult few years thanks to a worldwide pandemic, businesses that did manage to stay afloat are now struggling with increased supplier prices and a diminishing customer-base as the general public tighten their belts and battle through the cost-of-living crisis.

Every penny counts and the last thing a business owner needs is to deal with an avoidable disaster such as small business flooding.

According to FloodFlash, 40% of small businesses close for good after catastrophic loss from flooding. The cost of cleaning up after a flood is a huge contributing factor, with the cost of replacing stock, equipment and the subsequent closure during the clean-up process all adding up. The impact of commercial flood damage can be extremely devastating.

How can you be protected from small business flooding in 2023?

Inspect Your Roof

Many commercial properties have flat roofs which are the most prone to flooding. Thanks to their flat nature and the persistent, heavy rain often seen in the UK, water can pool on flat roofs, seeping into joints and crevices and cause floods within the building. Drainage systems can also get easily blocked by leaves and other debris, making an already difficult drainage process worse causing small business flooding. If your business has a flat roof, ensure you are investing in the proper maintenance and care to reduce the chance of a flood related to your roofing.

Invest in Protective Measures

With 14.4% of commercial properties situated within a significant flood risk zone (suggesting a 1 in 3 chance of flooding within 25 years) it’s essential you consider your protective measurements. Although the upfront investment into better drainage, replacing roofing materials, or installing one-way water valves into your wastewater system may seem high, it’s nothing compared to the catastrophic costs that can come with small business flooding. Investing now could save you thousands later. Find out more about the top causes of floods.

Store Important Files Properly

Protecting your business isn’t just about stopping a flood from happening. Sometimes we can’t control mother nature or faulty pipework, however there are ways to reduce the damage caused by a commercial flood.

Always ensure your important data is backed up in multiple places, including offsite if possible. This includes both digital and paper documents which can both be affected by flooding. Consider moving your storage area to a room away from main water pipes, or to a higher level.

Sign Up to Local Flood Warnings

There are many local flood warning services and if you own a small business, it’s a good idea to be aware of what may be coming your way. Flood warnings will give you insight into heavy rainfall and the effect it may have on your local area. Use these warnings to ensure your business is fully prepared for a potential flood. You can sign up for the government’s flood warning service for your area here.

Get the Right Insurance

Not all standard commercial insurance policies will cover every flood disaster eventuality. Make sure you read the T&Cs properly to see what’s covered within your policy and enquire about upgrading if you’re concerned it’s not adequate. CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration work with many insurance companies to provide a swift emergency response to commercial flooding so knowing you can instruct someone like us who has your back is worth the extra premium.

If your small business has been affected by a flood, call us on freephone 0800 0304360 today.

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