Preventing Flood Damage to Commercial Properties

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Build barriers around the premises of your building in Plumsteadville, PA

Preventing Flood Damage to Commercial Properties

Global warming doesn’t just affect the temperature of the planet. It is also causing sea levels to rise, increasing the risk of major flooding. Even areas that are not prone to extensive flood damage have had to deal with this issue in recent years.
If your building survives the disaster, the cost of flood cleanup is immense. From 2010 to 2014, an average commercial flood insurance claim cost approximately $89,000. It is perhaps no surprise then that at least 25 percent of companies that shutter due to a flood ultimately close down for good.
A high tide alone can cause severe destruction to your Plumsteadville, PA, building. Still, the most harmful floods usually accompany a heavy rainstorm or hurricane. That is why you should take steps to limit this type of storm damage. There are several ways you can do this:

• Move to a higher elevation
• Build levels or barriers around the premises
• Flood-proof your building
  

Of course, it is hard to move an established property to higher ground. Exterior barriers alone may not be sufficient, either. That is why creating a water-tight building is the best way to prevent flood damage.

What To Consider

Before you enact any flood-proofing plan, you should perform a benefit-cost analysis to make sure your project is cost-effective. You should also ensure that the workers will have safe access to and from the building once the flood-proofing measures are enacted.

How To Plan

You should also decide how your employees will enact the flood-proofing measures once the storm arrives. Assign various tasks to different workers and practice your plan ahead of time. You should also regularly inspect the flood-proofing system and fix any problems immediately.
Flood damage has affected more and more buildings in recent years. By preparing in advance, you can limit the destruction to your property. If your premises is affected by a major weather event, storm cleanup and restoration experts can assist with the recovery.