Ways to help prepare your small business for a flood

2 minute read

Flooding is a common natural disaster in rural and urban areas across Canada and can occur during any season – from snowmelt runoff floods, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. CatIQ, an insured loss and exposure indices provider, reports that insured losses from catastrophic events in Canada topped $3 billion in the year 2022.A third of those losses are the result of water damage and flooding, according to the Insurance Business Magazine.

What steps is your small business taking to help reduce the risk and impact of flooding on your property? Regular inspections of your building and checking in with regional flood forecasting centres can go a long way in your business continuity planning. Here are a few other ways to help prepare your small business for a flood.

Understanding your flood risks

There are three main types of floods to be aware of, including river, sewer, and surface water flooding. An important first step in your prevention plan is figuring out what type of flooding your small business is most at risk of. For example, if you’re based in an urban centre like Toronto, summer flooding is common due to aging infrastructure that is unable to handle surface runoff. City planning departments can help you understand the history of your area and if your location is high-risk for a particular type of flood.

Once you know this information, you can narrow down what coverage your business may need and the potential impact on your operations.

Protecting your property

As part of your business continuity planning, it’s important that you identify evacuation routes and organize emergency drills for your employees. You should perform regular inspection and maintenance of your property to identify areas that may leave you vulnerable to flooding and water damage. Here are a few things to consider:

Install backflow prevention check valves to stop floodwater from entering at vulnerable points where utility and sewer lines enter the facility.
Consider installing sump pump(s) with backup pump and backup power supply in the basement or lower levels of the facility. Seal your walls in order to prevent or reduce seepage and if necessary, reinforce walls to resist water pressure.
Install flood shields to prevent the passage of water through doors, windows, ventilation shafts, or other openings.
Establish backup systems for emergencies, such as portable pumps to remove flood water, alternate power sources such as generators or gasoline-powered pumps, and battery-powered emergency lighting, located well above the high-water mark.

Keeping a current and up-to-date emergency contact list can also help you quickly alert first responders, employees, and facility management in the event of a flood.

Monitoring regional flood forecasts

Each province and territory respond to floods in cooperation with local authorities, and most have information online about the flood situation in their area. You can find your regional forecasting centre by visiting this Government of Canada website. You should consider designating someone on your team to monitor reports from reliable sources and provide updates to senior management or the disaster planning team.

Protecting your business with reliable insurance coverage

Flooding can happen quickly and when you least expect it. The right insurance policy can help your small business get back on its feet after a loss of income or property damage. At TruShield, we’ll work with you to build a policy that suits your needs and addresses your risks. Find out more by visiting our business insurance page!