After theft and fire, office floods are probably the one thing you really don't want to happen to your business but unfortunately with global warming and rising sea levels this is something every business owner faces, whether they like it or not.
Us mere humans can't stop the awesome power of Mother Nature so thinking we can truly hold a flood back is rather like Canute attempting to turn back the sea, however there a few common sense precautions we can take to help protect staff, vital equipment and documents in the event of the office flooding, especially flash flooding - one of the most dangerous deluges.
Here are some suggestions:
Check the Environment Agency's Flood map and determine what risk of flooding your office or business property sits in. Keep a regular eye on weather reports, more so if there is torrential rain happening (or you know its coming). Don't forget flash floods can travel many miles so be aware it does not have to be raining outside to suddenly floor your office.
Off site data back up - it is all very well having all your pc's, laptops and servers backed up but if its under 6 foot of water there probably isn't much you can do so MAKE CERTAIN you have an offsite capability - so either back up remotely OR back up locally and remove the back up yourself to a secure location. Don't wait till the day your office starts to flood to do this - the power will likely go out and without a generator you will not be able to do anything. Yes you can move your computers and servers to a higher floor but Flash Floods can happen in literally minutes not hours so don't count on this tactic as one to save your business data.
Ensure your business insurance covers flood damage, if your office is in an area, that has in the past, been subject to flash floods might find you with a lack of cover proving costly.
Water can travel very quickly across large expanses of concrete or tarmac areas - don't forget to move your cars out of the office car park to higher ground if possible. However if the flood is rising dramatically then don't endanger yourself or your staffs lives by rushing out to move cars, a sudden wall of water can forcefully shunt cars causing more destruction, injury or even death so take to higher ground or a higher floor out of the way.
Talking of staff - have a staff evacuation and/or disaster plan so you know what to do and where to head in the event of a flash flood or just about any emergency. This plan will be useful to reference in the event you need to make some fast decisions in extreme circumstances. If staff cannot be evacuated due to rising water then ensure EVERYONE moves to higher ground or floor - flash floods are not the time to be a hero - it is difficult for most humans to swim in currents of more than 3 knots, flash floods will be moving way beyond this speed.
Note in the video above the time it takes from 1:14 for the internal area to flood - also note the floor buckling beneath as the flood from underneath pushes up against it.
It might be prudent to store away blankets, torches and a wind up or battery powered radio as a minimum - just in case you are trapped overnight. If you hear of outside activity - possibly coastguards or rescue workers in boats or helicopters it may be worthwhile attempting to attract attention and await rescue.
If you do find yourself outside be very wary of water above your knees - you can stumble into drains effectively trapping you so be aware.
Remember if you are in a position of authority (either as a manager or business owner) your staff will look to you for leadership so remaining composed and keeping a cool head will keep everyone calm. Hysteria quickly spreads and can lead to bad decisions so authoritively advise staff of your plans BEFORE and during a flash flood - if you are unsure about any situation then a good leader will ask for team input and weigh up the potential consequences before making a decision.
Do not turn on any electrical items until the flood water recedes and the authorities give the all clear - if you have had no all clear then leave the area when safe to do so.
Once the flood has receded it would be wise to contact your insurance company and also start to look for quotes from Flood Clean-up companies who can help clean and salvage your property, getting you back to business as quickly as possible.
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