Preparing Your Business for Hurricanes, Floods, and Other Natural Disasters

Flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey (Photo by SC National Guard via Wikimedia Commons)
Flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey (Photo by SC National Guard via Wikimedia Commons)

In addition to killing dozens of people, last month’s Hurricane Harvey caused billions of dollars of damages to homes and businesses in East Texas.

While high winds of more than 120 mph damaged roofs and caused other structure damage, most of the problems actually were caused by the massive flooding caused by the storm surge, overflowing rivers, and nearly four days of non-stop heavy rains.

Getting Ready for a Hurricane

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other heavy weather can often be predicted well in advance, while they are still forming out at sea. While there is some guesswork involved in where they will directly hit, business owners can often get several hours or even many days notice before the full effects of the storms are felt.

This gives limited time in which to prepare. But to minimize damage, it’s critical to take full advantage of this time.

The most important thing is keeping people safe. If severe weather can be predicted ahead of time, businesses should consider sending workers home to safety. If natural disasters like tornadoes or earthquakes happen unexpectedly, instructions should be given about where to find immediate safety.

Preparing Your Business for Flooding

Most business owners weren’t prepared for the severity of the flooding that followed Hurricane Harvey. But some were able to get their products, parts, and other materials up on shelving or to higher ground to prevent it from being damaged or destroyed by the standing water.

In the hours or days before the storm hits, try to get as many items off the floor as possible, starting with the most expensive items. Things like electronics, machinery, and other materials that are highly likely to be a total loss if flooding should occur should be a priority.

Look at Your Property

Be smart about preparing for flooding. Look at the hydrodynamics of your property: Where will the water come from and where will it flow.

Water seeks its own level. So water from nearby rivers, streams, and other sources are likely to flow downhill and settle in low-lying areas.

If possible, prepare for flooding by filling sandbags and placing them around areas that are most likely to be prone to flooding, such as doorways and dock entrances. While they may not completely keep your business dry, they may help divert the water to other areas where it can cause less damage.

It’s also important to learn from previous flood events. Take steps to avoid making the same mistakes again.