Dealing with floods

In recent years flooding in parts of the region has affected a large number of businesses and many experts predict that the effects of climate change will mean floods will become more common in the future.

While you may not be able to prevent floods happening, there are measures you can take to protect your business and to reduce the impact on your day-to-day operations when a crisis does strike. Business Link has put together this guide to help you plan for coping with flooding.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. If you would like to speak to one of our business advisers, call us now on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.

Is my business at risk of flooding?

Businesses which prepare for flooding can save 20 to 90 per cent of the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment, while advance preparation may reduce your regulatory liability and make it easier to obtain insurance.

Use the Environment Agency's flood map to check the latest flood warnings.
Sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct a free service that provides flood warnings direct to you by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message and fax.
Read more about understanding and assessing the risks of flooding at businesslink.gov.uk/nw/flooding.

Protect your business from flooding

Flooding can be a business disaster. As well as damage to premises or equipment, you may lose stock and supplies or be unable to trade while damage is repaired. Even if the flood does not impact your own premises directly, you may still find that suppliers are unable to meet your needs. Use this four point plan to protect your business now:

Draw up a flood plan so that you are prepared in the event of flooding.
Protect your premises and take steps to limit potential damage.
Make sure that you have the right insurance cover for damage and business interruption.
Train employees to deal with flooding.

Act now to reduce the damage

While it's impossible to completely flood-proof a property, there are lots of things you can do so that if flooding happens the damage it causes to the building or your belongings is less extensive and therefore less costly. The key is to act now so you're prepared when there's flooding in your area.

Find out what you can do now to reduce flood damage.
Find out about flood protection products and services and funding that may be available for these.

Further information about dealing with unplanned events affecting your business can be found in our guide to crisis management and business continuity.

What to do if you are affected by flooding

Ring the Flood helpline on 0845 988 1188

The Environment Agency provides guidance on how to stay safe during a flood as well as advice on dealing with the effects of flooding including clearing up and dealing with insurance claims.

Health advice
Read information guides explaining how to clean up safely and stay healthy after floods on the Health Protection Agency website.

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Dealing with floods