Flood Emergency Response Planning

BECOME AWARE OF FLOOD THREATS IN YOUR AREA

“Super Storm Sandy” was the second-costliest hurricane in United States history and caused devastation to many areas of the East coast. Subsequent learning suggests previous instances of unfulfilled warnings led to a sense of apathy and left many unprepared for historic flooding. Due to the threats of natural disasters across the United States, businesses should ask themselves: could a natural disaster in my area cause such damage? Would my facility be forced to shut down, and for how long? Taking precautions before a disaster event is the best way to minimize risk.

EFFECTIVE FLOOD RESPONSE PLANNING

Not only are flood and disaster events a viable threat, but 100-year storms, like “Super Storm Sandy”, can and will occur in our lifetime. An effective planning process will consider not only your existing facilities but new property and expanded facilities. Evaluating new locations prior to construction or occupancy can protect a company financially by building appropriately from the start.

IMPLEMENTING A FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Taking your natural hazard reports into account while developing a risk management program may include creating a detailed Flood Emergency Response Plan. Completion of such a plan will help improve the preparedness for when a flood emergency event occurs. The plan should be reviewed and updated annually to account for any physical, environmental, or operational (including staff) changes.

An effective flood emergency response plan includes:

• Description of the flood hazard including the depth expected, location and duration of flood, amount of warning time likely, assessment of critical areas likely to flood, the potential business impact, etc.
• A point person (or team) that will monitor weather and impending events and will activate the established plan and delegate tasks. This person or team is responsible for maintaining a reliable flood warning system.
• All possible flood scenarios and a specific course of action for each.
• Provisions for salvage and clean-up operations, particularly for vital or essential items, to minimize the disruption of operations.
• Ensuring vendor/contractor names, addresses, and numbers for pre-arranged services or supplies are accessible and not subject to the same flood.
• Stockpile of important equipment or supplies which cannot easily be purchased on site in a location that is not susceptible to flood waters.

EXPERTISE TO PROTECT YOUR FACILITIES

TÜV SÜD Global Risk Consultants (GRC) experts are on-hand to assist you in identifying your natural hazard risk exposures such as hurricanes, seismic events and tornadoes. We assist you in implementing a proactive risk management plan in case of such events.

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