Floods can be miserable ordeals, even with extensive preparation. They can spring up with little to no warning and saddle you with the responsibility of a lengthy, expensive restoration period. Your business could be underwater in a flash, and you could be faced with mounting repair bills and extended interruption to your business.
But floods can also be regenerative. Large-scale damage to your business is an opportunity to rebuild and minimise potential damage and disruption that could be caused by future floods. If your business has sustained flood damage, do not panic. Think of it as a chance to fortify your business against future flood damage rather than nothing but a ruinous misfortune.
Cleaning Up After a Flood Disaster
Once flood waters start to recede, you may want to immediately get your hands dirty and start the clean-up effort. Fight that urge. Never re-enter premises until you are absolutely sure they are safe. Floods leave a myriad of hazards in their wake, such as exposed wires, weakened buildings and contaminated water. Your first priority should be the safety of yourself, your employees and anyone else who might enter or pass near your business.
Local councils and insurers can often offer guidance after flood waters start to retreat. Until then, use extreme caution when visiting your business as flood damage can cause some areas to become unsafe. Your insurer will send a loss adjuster and other specialists to assess your business’ damage and advise on safety and clean-up. After ensuring that your property is stable, it is time to get dirty!
Upgrading After a Flood
Make the most out of an unfortunate situation by using your flood damage as an opportunity to repair your property with flood-resistant products. Consider installing the flood-resistant precautions such as pumps and pump systems, flood skirts raising electrical sockets, fuse boxes at least 1.5 metres above the floor level to prevent water damage.
No matter what you install, the ultimate preparation for a flood is proper insurance. Remember that your damaged stock and premises will not be the only setback you suffer from a flood—interruption to your business’ continuity can be fatal. A comprehensive policy that accounts for business interruption and is tailored to your specific industry and location can soften the blow and address those setbacks. Taking risk-reduction measures may help cut down your premium or excess.
Contact the insurance professionals at Reason Global Insurance Limited for more information about keeping your moving and storage business afloat when faced with flood damage.
