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Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, with many U.S. communities experiencing some degree of flooding after spring rains, winter snow thaws or heavy thunderstorms. Learning about this weather possibility and how to properly prepare for it can save lives and minimize damage.

Flood Characteristics

Most floods develop slowly over a period of days but flash floods are different, developing like walls of water in a matter of minutes, often due to intense storms or a dam failure. Flooding can create conditions favorable for a fire to occur, either by causing it or by impeding efforts to fight it. While electrical fires can occur for any number of reasons, including overloading of circuits and improper wiring practices, floodwater increases fire danger through short circuits in wiring and electrical equipment. 

Make sure to:

• Have a plan in place for responding to floods and flash floods and, if you are a business owner, write your plan out.
• Share your flood plan with employees.
• Obtain flood coverage at adequate limits.

Flood Safety

Before a flood occurs:

Plan ahead of time so you are not caught off guard in the event of a flood.

• Identify whether your building is located in a flood plain. Your local emergency management office can assist you and FEMA flood zone maps are also accessible online to the public.
• Learn the elevation of your building in relation to streams, rivers and dams as well as the history of flooding in your area.
• Consider the need for damming and diking supplies such as sand bags, flood shields and sheet metal covers to keep floodwaters out.
• Make sure an adequate number of portable fire extinguishers are available.
• Inspect your building for areas that may be subject to flooding. If a flood watch is issued, take these precautions while keeping your safety and that of your customers and employees in mind:
  • Move stored goods off the floor.
  • Move records, computers and other electronic items to a protected area in the facility or off site if possible.
  • Shut down hazardous processes.
  • Move or raise containers that hold flammable and combustible liquids as well as compressed gases to a safe place.
  • Turn off all open flames and shut off the main gas valve.
  • Shield fire protection equipment from damage during a flood. Barriers should be in place to protect against buoyant materials rising and damaging sprinkler system components such as piping and risers.
• Consider the need for backup systems, such as generators, gasoline-powered pumps or battery-powered emergency lighting.
• Consider portable and fixed sump pumps to remove floodwater.
• Develop a records retention and backup program to ensure vital business records and computer data are not lost during a storm.
• Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup.

Post flood event:

After a flood, contact your insurance agent or carrier, then conduct a damage assessment as soon as the area is safe to enter.

• Start salvage operations as soon as conditions permit, with pumps provided for removing water from basements. Debris, both inside and outside, should be hauled away immediately.
• Make efforts to check for possible washouts that may have undermined roads, buildings, water mains and gravity tank foundations.
• Report downed overhead power lines to the appropriate utility.
• Take extreme caution around downed power lines. Avoid them until a qualified professional has evaluated them and deemed the area safe.
• Inspect, repair and immediately restore fire protection systems and equipment.
• Clear drains of debris.
• Clear fire hydrants of any debris that might hinder fire department access.
• Clear fire exits of debris and floodwater barriers. The fire evacuation plan may need to be re-evaluated to accommodate flood damage.
• Monitor any use of generators closely to prevent the creation of additional hazards.
• Do not energize equipment that has been flooded until it has been properly cleaned, dried out and the insulation tested.

This content originally appeared on The Cincinnati Insurance Company’s blog at blog.cinfin.com.