Tips for Protecting Your Business From Water Damage

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Create an emergency kit for your business in Liberty, OK

Extreme storm activity can occur in any location, any time of the year. Severe weather is responsible for the bulk of water-related property damage. Broken pipes and other plumbing failures make up the balance of the claims. Prevention and preparation are your best defenses against water damage. This discussion about disaster preparedness may help you reduce your risk.

Preparing Your Staff

Engaging your staff in emergency preparedness activities increases your chances of a united response during an extreme weather event. Consider taking the following precautions:

• Creating an emergency kit that includes first aid, water, flashlights and batteries
  
• Posting a map of evacuation routes from your building
  
• Registering for local emergency notification services
  
• Providing an emergency preparedness training for your staff
  
• Posting contact information for your local water remediation specialist
  
  

These precautions could mean the difference between total chaos and a measured, coordinated emergency response.

Preparing Your Facility
Shoring up your maintenance schedule can reduce your chances of water damage. Inspecting storm drains and gutters frequently, and keeping them free from debris, helps divert floodwater away from your building. Backflow-prevention valves on irrigation and plumbing lines can help protect your clean water system from contamination. If you have one or more sump pumps, it is important to attach each one to a battery backup to ensure you can prevent a flood during a power outage.

Assessing Your Risk
One of the best ways to protect your Liberty, OK, facility is to evaluate and address the risk your location bears for flooding. You can consult your local weather officials or city planning department to get an idea of past water damage in your area. Conventional insurance policies generally don’t cover flooding, so it’s important to consult your commercial insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage options.
If serious flooding threatens your area, you will appreciate having spent some time on research and preparation. A few simple preventive measures could minimize your risk for damage, prevent costly water cleanup, and protect your company’s bottom line.