Protecting Your Business From Flooding

Regardless of how prepared you are and the preventative measures that you take, flooding can happen at any time to anyone. That doesn’t mean that you should leave your business unattended or without protection against flooding. Let’s discuss the best ways to protect your business from floodwaters.

Defer to Fema

Start by looking up your property on your local flood map. Visit FEMA’S Flood Map Service Center or contact your city or county. While flooding can occur outside of high-risk areas, your local government can give you the best advice about what to expect during flood season in your area.

Learn about Base Flood Elevation

What is Base Flood Elevation? Simply put, Base Flood Elevation is a computed elevation at which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood of your area. You can learn more about your BFE by searching for your specific property. If you find that your property’s lowest floor is beneath the BFE, you may consider elevating your structure to reduce the possibility of flooding.

Start Flood Proofing

If you find that your property is in a flood-prone area, consider these techniques to make your building as waterproof as possible.

Purchase Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance for a property in a high-risk flood zone is a must. Find insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and purchase it through private insurance companies.

Go Green With Flood Prevention Landscaping

Protecting the inside of your business can also come from what you choose to plant outside. Native plants and vegetation can help prevent the soil from eroding and keep water drainage to a minimum. It will also allow the water to drain efficiently, keeping water from entering your foundation. You can also check the slope of your land to make sure that it is directing water away from your building.

Downspouts And Gutters

One of the most simple and easy ways to make sure that your commercial property or business is protected from seasonal Montana flooding is to check your downspouts and gutters regularly to make sure they are pointing away from your buildings. Make sure that they are clean of any debris that may cause them to overflow.

Install A Sump Pump

If your building has a basement, help keep the water out by installing (or updating) a sump pump. Keep the pump connected to a battery back up or generator in case you lose power, and always test the main pump before the rainy season.

Even with careful prevention, there’s still a chance that your business or commercial building may experience a damaging flood. At Alpha Omega Pros, we have a team of water damage experts ready to assist in case of flooding in your commercial or residential buildings. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you find yourself caught with water damage during flood season!