Malcolm & Parsons Quick Expose

Flood Preparedness Checklist

Floods are one of the most common and widespread of all disasters, and continue to grow in frequency and severity. Businesses are more likely to flood than burn down, so it is vital to prepare now.

The following checklist will help keep your business afloat even if the worst happens. Most businesses can save between 20% and 90% on the cost of stock and movable equipment by taking action to prepare in advance of flooding. The following resources and tools will help mitigate your risk and protect not only your business, but also the most critical element of your business – your people.

ü	Before the Flood
	Review Emergency Plan with team, and key employees
	Take all necessary steps to prevent the release of dangerous chemicals that might be stored on your property, Locate gas main and electrical shut-offs, Anchor all fuel tanks
	Postpone any receipt of goods- deliveries, couriers, etc.
	Contact insurance agent, discuss policy, etc.
	Establish emergency communication method (Alert Notification System, phone tree, etc.); identify meeting place and time for all key employees in Crisis Management Team; create voicemail for when evacuated, or out of office, etc.
	Update disaster recovery kits and begin crisis back-up procedures
	Maintain accurate inventory of product on site.
	Use plugs to prevent floodwater from backing up into sewer drains, or install flood vents/or flood proof barriers
	Stay tuned to local media & community messaging
	Contact Agility to go on Alert- this will enable you to exchange contact information, alternate information, and set up continuous communication times to discuss status
ü	During the Flood
	Life Safety is Paramount
	Begin next phase of your business continuity plan
	Send unneeded staff home
	Raise elevators to the 2nd floor and turn off
	Stay tuned to local media- evacuate when required, safely
	Take cell phones and chargers with you & emergency kits
	Take all critical hardware with you, unplug electrical items, etc.
	Consider your business phones and redirection to cell phones, an answering service, Google Voice, or Agility lines
ü	After the Flood
	Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
	Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
	Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
	Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
	Implement DR plan, and monitor Local Authorities
	Contact employees via determined method of communication and discuss next steps.
	Contact your insurance agent
ü	Your People
	Ensure you have an emergency communication plan in place prior to the storm, evacuation, or threat
	Have all employees, vendors, client contact information on hand
	Use the Alert Notification System on MyAgility to keep all posted on status and next steps.
	During evacuation have a central point of contact for all employees, and ensure you know where your people are located
	Following the flood, notify all critical people of next steps, based on damage

Helping to Mitigate your Risk for Flood Interruption:

Do You Know the Terms?

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Driving Flood Facts The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.