Flooding Advice for Businesses

Flooding is the most common and widespread natural disaster in the UK. Since 1998 there has been at least one serious flood every year.

Christmas time 2015 saw devastating flooding occur in the UK. A report by KPMG estimated the total cost of these floods would be £5bn – £5.8bn.

For any brick and mortar business, falling victim to a flood is something to dread. Recovery can take months. Machinery, stock and furnishings might be damaged beyond repair. Customers will likely look elsewhere while you recover. The government provide advice to businesses on how to prepare and recover from flooding.

How can you prepare your business incase of flooding?

No one wants to be the victim of flooding. It is worth taking the time to plan for a worse case scenario so if flooding does happen, your business will be ready.

1. Check if your business in a flood risk area

Enter your postcode in the Flood Risk Area tool to check if your office or factory is located in a high-risk flood area.

Check your postcode here

2. Get Flood Warnings

Add your details to the Flood Warning Service. The Environment Agency will contact you to let you know if it is likely a flood will occur.

Receive Flood Warnings

3. Prepare a Business Flood Plan

Download and complete a flood plan for your business. The Environment Agency provide a free guide and template.

Get your flood guide

4. Make sure you have the right insurnace

Ensure you have business insurance which covers flooding. Flood Re has been launched to offer affordable insurance for businesses.

Learn more

What to do when your business has been flooded?

It can be a big shock to discover your business has been flooded. It is important to act responsibly and safely. Here is some advice and links that can help your business get up and running as soon as possible:

1. Be safe throughout the clean up

Follow the advice from the Heath and Safety Executive website to make sure it is safe to re-enter the property.

See the advice

2. Photograph the damage

Take photographs of any the damage to the building, machinery and stock. It is important to record any damage so it can be passed onto the insurance company.

3. Contact your insurance company

It is important to check with the insurance company before disposing of anything to make sure you are covered.

4. Communities and Business Recovery Scheme

The government have provided local authorities with funding worth over £2,500 for every business flooded.

Research the scheme

Flooded Washrooms

Businesses who offer washroom facilities for customers or staff will need to consider the refurbishment after a flooding. Floodwater could be contaminated with sewage, harmful bacteria and viruses. This is more likely to be the case in washroom areas.

When refurbishing a washroom after a flood, the insurance company will usually recommend installing durable or flood resistant products. While it is almost impossible to fully protect any room from flooding, the choice of flooring, wall panelling and cubicles can speed up the restoration afterwards.

We have helped many businesses refurbish their washrooms after flooding. We recommend cubicles and wall panels that are water resistant so they can be cleaned after flooding rather than having to be replaced. Panels made from chipboard will absorb any moisture and need replacing. Our panels constructed from Compact Grade Laminate (CGL) are resistant to water and will be durable enough to be sprayed clean. Cairngorm is on of our most popular ranges constructed from CGL.

If you own a business we have created a simple, handy and free Office and Workplace Washroom Guide. The guide will tell you how many toilets you should provide for your staff, regulations and cubicle layouts.