Flood Preparedness Checklist for Businesses: How to Reduce Risk and Recover Faster
- stephen7705
- May 2
- 3 min read
Floods are one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the U.S., and no business is immune. Whether you're in a high-risk floodplain or a moderate-risk area, water damage can shut down operations, destroy equipment, and jeopardize your bottom line. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster—but with the right preparation, yours doesn’t have to be one of them.
At RiskAssured, we help businesses develop smart, scalable risk mitigation strategies. Use this comprehensive flood preparedness checklist to protect your people, property, and profits.
Step 1: Assess Your Flood Risk
Understanding your property’s vulnerability is the foundation of effective flood planning.
Check FEMA Flood Maps to determine if you're in a low-, moderate-, or high-risk area. ➡ Find your flood zone here
Know your Base Flood Elevation (BFE): This is the height floodwaters are expected to reach during a 1-in-100-year flood event.
Use additional tools like the First Street Foundation’s Flood Factor to get a detailed flood risk report for your exact location.
Step 2: Evaluate and Upgrade Your Building Design
If you’re in a flood-prone zone—or just want peace of mind—invest in resilient infrastructure:
Consult a floodplain manager or professional engineer for custom floodproofing recommendations
Elevate your building or critical equipment above BFE levels
Use wet floodproofing methods (allow water in but reduce damage)
Use dry floodproofing (prevent water entry with barriers and sealants)
Don’t forget sewer backup protection—a common and messy source of water damage
Step 3: Use Landscaping as a Flood Defense
Your landscaping can either absorb water—or funnel it toward your building.
Work with landscape architects to design flood-smart layouts
Use native plants to help with erosion control and stormwater absorption
Grade the property to direct runoff away from foundations and entry points
Step 4: Stock Emergency Flood Supplies
Be ready to act fast when floodwaters rise:
Sandbags: Create barriers to redirect water
Inflatable water barriers: A reusable, efficient option for larger properties
Tarps and plastic sheeting: Add protection to doors, windows, and sensitive areas
Store these supplies in accessible, waterproof containers and check them regularly.
Step 5: Develop Your Emergency Plans
Flood damage doesn’t end when the water recedes. Your planning should cover every phase:
Emergency Response Plan
Who will take action, and what needs to happen immediately
Communication plans with staff and stakeholders
Business Continuity Plan
How operations will continue during and after the flood
Remote work, alternate locations, supply chain adjustments
Emergency Recovery Plan
Clean-up contractors and certified restoration professionals
Safe re-entry procedures to avoid mold and electrical hazards
Relocation Plans
What items must be moved in advance (e.g., servers, inventory, documents)
Where they’ll go and how they’ll be secured
Pro Tip: Consider any hazardous materials on site and develop a protocol to prevent environmental contamination.
Step 6: Insure Smart and Review Annually
Flood damage is not covered by most standard commercial property insurance policies. Make sure you’re covered:
Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers
Add business interruption insurance to recover lost income
Review all policies annually to confirm coverage limits and exclusions
Final Thoughts: Prepare Today, Recover Faster Tomorrow
Flooding can happen with little warning—but preparation pays off. From improved infrastructure to detailed planning and insurance protection, every step you take today reduces your potential losses tomorrow.
At RiskAssured, we help businesses like yours build resilient systems that withstand disruptions. Don’t wait for water to rise.
Contact us to schedule a flood risk assessment or build your custom preparedness plan.
