Environment - Flood risk management

Flood risk, can your business afford it?

New research from Environment Agency has shown that small businesses are at a higher risk from flooding than fire.

The back lash is also around 30 times as costly as burglary, and still many businesses have not taken measures to protect their company or staff from floods.

Businesses should take the time to find out if their facilities are at risk of river or coastal flooding by visiting the Environment Agency’s free online postcode checker (www.environment-agency.gov).

Any business that is at risk should register for the free Floodline Warnings Direct service (this informs you by telephone, mobile, e-mail, fax or pager whenever a flood warning is issued in the area). The Environment Agency encourages businesses to use a straight forward template (which they provide) in order to develop a suitable flood plan.

This plan should include a list of contacts, a map showing equipment, protective materials and shut-off points as well as basic schemes to protect belongings and guarantee staff safety while reducing disruption if a flood takes place.

By assessing flood risk and following simple preparation guides, businesses can reduce the cost of damage by an estimated 90% while maintaining staff safety.

For further information visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

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