4/22/22 - Zoro Staff
Natural disasters are impossible to avoid—and because of their sudden nature, you likely won't have time to prepare your business for a disaster unless you start well ahead of time. In particular, flooding can cause major damage to any business's infrastructure, and the ensuing cleanup can lead to high costs, lost productivity, and even possible injury.
Having a plan in place before flooding occurs and ensuring that key people in your business know what to do and how to react is essential in disaster situations. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to clean up your business after a storm passes, while also considering safety planning, insurance processes, and how to develop an emergency flood management plan for future disasters.
Safety First
When evaluating the damage to your business, infrastructure, or property after storms and flooding have passed, the safety of everyone involved should be your number one priority. Do not begin the cleanup process without proper safety precautions in place. Serious injury and even death can occur, even after the storm has passed. For example, electrical hazards may exist where water and electrical lines are in close proximity. You'll also need to consider structural issues and hazards, such as mold growth or mold spores that can grow in standing water.
Follow these important safety steps before you begin:
- Follow your emergency preparedness plan for the evacuation of all employees within your business infrastructure. (Don't have an emergency plan? See below for more information on developing a plan for future disasters.)
- Shut off gas lines and turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse that serves your facility.
- Have an electrician check the electrical system for safety before anyone else is on the premises. Steer clear of any wet areas near electrical circuits or equipment.
- Check the foundation for settling, cracks, or undercutting.
- Ensure that everyone working on the site is wearing proper protective gear, such as safety masks, goggles, and other PPE equipment.
In the following chart, we've showcased a number of premium-quality, professional-grade products that can ensure the safety of yourself and your team members as you initiate the flood cleanup and recovery process. Click the links for our selection of PPE, protective gear, and more.
| Head Protection | Gloves and Hand Protection | Eye Protection |
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| Clothing | Foot Protection | Masks and Respiratory Protection |
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Cleanup, Recovery, and Restoration
Once you've ensured the safety of everyone involved, you can move on to the next phase: the cleanup, recovery, and restoration process. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to restore parts of your business yourself with the proper tools and equipment. Don't forget to document the damage with photos first for insurance purposes (see below, under Insurance Claims). If the damage is severe, you will likely need to consider hiring a professional cleaning and restoration company to help with the work.
Your cleanup may involve:
- Removing soaked materials, items, and equipment from the site as needed. While some items may be salvageable after drying, others will need to be disposed of properly. Steer clear of electrical equipment and other hazards.
- Shoveling out mud and removing standing water with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Scrubbing the walls and floors of your business and disinfecting all areas with proper cleaning and disinfecting products.
In the chart below, we've assembled some of the products that can help you with the cleanup and recovery stage after your business has been impacted by flooding. These products are business-friendly and built for use by professionals when cleaning, disinfecting, removing damage and debris, and more.
| Shovels | Wet/Dry Vacuums | Disinfectants and Sanitizers | Rags and Wipes |
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| Trash Bags | Brooms | Mops |
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Insurance Claims
According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. While worrying about finances may not be your first priority during the initial cleanup, you'll need to consider insurance coverage immediately so that you can properly document the damage. Keep in mind that flood insurance coverage often must be purchased through a separate plan. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, may also provide coverage in some areas.
Before and during the post-flood cleanup process, make sure that you:
- Take photos or videos of all post-flood damage before you begin to clean up any flooded areas.
- Keep records of all expenses related to post-flood damage (e.g., hiring a cleaning company or replacing damaged structures).
- Contact your insurance company to file flood-related claims.
- File a claim with FEMA if you need assistance or don't have flood insurance through your insurance company.
Developing a Flood Preparedness Emergency Plan
Whether or not you had a flood preparedness emergency plan in place before the storm, now is the perfect time to develop a plan for any possible future disasters. After all, the more planning you've done ahead of time, the easier the cleanup and recovery process will be for your business.
A flood preparedness plan typically includes steps related to mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. A detailed plan should document everything from how to prevent flooding-related damage to what your employees should do when a storm occurs to the emergency response and recovery process that follows. For additional information on developing a plan that fits your business, see the full OSHA guide.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters have the potential to strike at any time—and if your business isn't prepared, you can be stuck with many more expenses, headaches, and stresses than you need at such a difficult time. Before a storm hits, you should ensure that you have a flood preparedness plan in place that is robust and ensures the safety of yourself and your employees, while also protecting your business from the costs associated with infrastructure damage. You may also need to investigate flood insurance and other options that can protect you financially in the event of a disaster that impacts your business.
After a disaster strikes, such as a major storm that leads to flooding and property damage, your first priority should always be to ensure the safety of your employees. Once you've done that, you can use our guide to take the next steps. Though it may require hard work and determination, you can rebuild your business after a disaster—not only restoring it, but possibly even improving it in the process. While you're here, don't forget to browse our full selection of emergency preparedness items. You can also check out our guides to staying ahead of tornadoes and floods.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.