Flood guidance for small businesses

Contents

1. Intro
2. Prevention
3. Review your insurance
4. What to do in a flood
5. What to do after a flood

What to do after a flood

First check that your property is safe to enter. Your building may look safe, but large amounts of water can damage its structure, and you could be at risk of an electrical shock if the mains electricity is still running.

When you can enter your property safely, start looking at what needs to be replaced and what can be salvaged. While it may be quicker to replace items, don’t throw anything away or take anything for repair without checking with your insurance company first.

You will want to start trading again as soon as possible, so look at your flood plan and assess any suppliers or customers you need to contact. Your plan should also include suggestions for temporary premises from which to trade.

Before you start any major repairs to property, make sure flood waters have definitely receded by monitoring weather reports and flood warnings. When you’re confident they have, you’ll need to clean and disinfect everything that has come into contact with the flood waters to avoid infection, and open doors and windows to help everything dry out.

• See the Environment Agency’s advice on cleaning up after a flood
• For more advice, see the Association of British Insurers website
• Read advice on keeping your business running from the Help I’m Flooded website
• Follow Eon’s advice on checking your electrics
• Protect your employees’ health with the Health Protection Agency
• Find out about grants or compensation from your local council