Protecting Your Building From Flood Damage

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage in a Richpond, KY warehouse

Take Steps to Protect Your Commercial Building from Flood Damage

Flood damage from a storm can destroy your Richpond, KY, commercial building. Unfortunately, global warming and heavy rains have increased this risk in recent years. Major hurricanes have devastated communities that are not used to severe flooding. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association, even minor or nuisance floods are occurring with increased frequency.
This type of storm damage is not easy to come back from, either. The National Flood Insurance Program reports that at least 25 percent of companies that close following a flood have to shut down for good.
Even if your business does survive, the flood cleanup process can be extensive. That is why you should take steps to protect your commercial building from flood damage. You can do this by:

• Moving your structure to higher ground
  
• Elevating the building above flood levels
  
• Building levels or barriers to block floodwaters
  
• Using seals, pumps and barriers to flood-proof the building
  
  

Flood-Proofing

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has found that flood-proofing is the most cost-effective of these methods. Still, before you implement any flood mitigation strategies, there are some factors you need to consider.
First, of course, is the cost. You should analyze any potential projects and determine if the benefits outweigh the expenses. The amount of time each plan takes to implement and whether it puts your employees in danger should be taken into account, as well.

Operational Plan

Your flood-proofing strategy should include an emergency plan that all your employees know and understand. Make sure that they all know what to do and where to go during a major storm.

Maintenance

You can also limit storm damage to your building by performing regular maintenance. This includes looking for cracks in the walls and floors along with checking any shutoff or backflow valves.
Of course, no flood damage mitigation strategy is fool-proof. That is why you need to look for reliable storm cleanup restoration specialists ahead of time. They can assist with the rebuilding process.