Harsh weather like rain, snow and extreme heat can wreak havoc on your business. Flood damage can also significantly impact your business and its ability to operate. The magnitude of the impact varies depending on the severity, duration, and how much property was damaged.
Knowing what you may lose from flooding can help you prepare beforehand and protect yourself. But even after a professional disaster assessment has been performed, loss prevention is always an ongoing process. Here are some impacts of flooding that you can expect to encounter during this difficult time.
1. Critical Equipment Damage
Flood waters are notorious for causing damage to expensive equipment like computer systems, personal computers, cell phones, and laptops. Preventative measures such as removing supplies, equipment, and other property from the flood zone will help reduce the damage to the contents of your building. Many businesses also move critical equipment and materials to higher, drier ground or park them on a higher floor.
2. Structural Damage
Intense rains for long periods, combined with high winds and the additional weight of water that accumulates, will cause significant structural damage. This includes foundations, structural columns, and roofs. The damage to a building varies greatly from building to building, depending on its structure, location, and type of walls. Depending on the severity of the flood, mold, fungus, or mildew can also make their way into your building. Mold infestations can have a significant impact on the health of your employees. A thorough cleaning is essential to prevent any substantial damage to your building.
3. Damage to Supplies and Raw Materials
Some businesses keep their inventory in basements, garages, or storage areas vulnerable to flooding. Raw materials such as construction materials, lumber, and other perishable materials are also vulnerable to this damage. Some buildings also contain storage areas that house large quantities of these chemicals or food products, such as flour and sugar. When some chemicals are exposed to water or moisture, they have the potential to cause explosions. Once you have recovered from a flood event, you will need to find a warehouse for your inventory that is high enough above ground level that it won’t be affected by future floods.
4. Data Loss
Most businesses store large amounts of data in computer files, text documents, and spreadsheets. These documents are vital to your business’s day-to-day operations. They can include customer lists, sales records, and tax or employee data. The data can be compromised if the building is flooded with water or the power goes out. Ensure that your data backup methods are up to date and that you have someone who knows how to restore these files after a disaster. Cloud-based data storage allows more flexibility and convenience. It’s a perfect alternative to storing all your data in one place.
Even after clean-up, companies must have stringent safety standards and procedures for disinfecting the building and locating all of their supplies that have been lost or damaged during a flood. A national restoration company can assist you in your recovery efforts. They will identify the extent of the damage and help you determine the best measures to prevent further damage.
