Flooding often strikes with little warning, and commercial properties tend to suffer the most—facing everything from structural damage to costly downtime. Learning how to prepare your business for a flood can significantly reduce risks, protect your assets, and speed up recovery.
In this guide, you’ll find practical tips to assess flood risk, strengthen your property, create an emergency response plan, and bounce back quickly after a flood.
Assess Your Flood Risk
The first step to protecting your business against flooding is understanding the level of risk your property faces.
Know Your Zone
Start by checking FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. This tool identifies if your building is in a designated flood zone and helps you make critical decisions about flood insurance, structural upgrades, and emergency planning.
Spot High-Risk Areas on Your Property
Inspect your property to identify weak points where water could enter or pool. Common areas to check include:
- Landscaping – Poor grading or drainage can direct water toward your building instead of away from it.
- Roofing & Gutters – Make sure your roof is in good shape and gutters are clear to avoid pooling and overflow.
- Basements & Ground-Level Areas – These areas are highly vulnerable to flooding. Look for cracks, leaks, or past water damage.
Review Any Past Flooding Issues
If your property has experienced flooding or leaks before, don’t overlook it. Recurring problems often signal deeper structural issues that need to be addressed before the next storm.
Prepare Your Property
Once you’ve assessed your flood risk, take proactive steps to protect your property and create a response plan. This is a crucial step in how to prepare your business for a flood.
Upgrade Your Building
Protect your property with flood-resilient improvements.
- Install flood barriers or shields on doors and windows.
- Seal cracks in the foundation and use waterproof coatings.
- Elevate critical equipment like HVAC systems and electrical panels above flood levels.
Leverage Landscaping for Flood Control
Landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal—it can help (or hurt) your flood readiness.
- Install swales, rain gardens, or permeable surfaces to absorb or redirect water efficiently.
- Regrade areas around your building to control water flow.
- Choose plants that thrive in wet conditions and prevent soil erosion.
Back-Up Power Is a Must
Floods and power outages often go hand-in-hand. Stay one step ahead with these solutions:
- Use sump pumps with battery backups to keep water at bay.
- Invest in a standby generator to maintain power for essential operations.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Flood damage is frequently excluded from standard commercial insurance policies. Make sure you’re adequately covered by doing the following:
- Carefully review your policy’s terms and exclusions.
- Add flood insurance if your property is in a high-risk zone.
- Store digital and physical copies of insurance documents securely for easy access.
Build an Emergency Response Plan
A well-thought-out emergency plan is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring everyone’s safety. Your plan should include:
- Utility shut-off locations and evacuation routes.
- Clear communication protocols for staff and emergency contacts.
- Off-site or cloud storage for vital records and backups.
Tap Into the PREP Program
Not sure where to start with your emergency plan? Reynolds Restoration Services offers a free PREP Program for commercial clients. We’ll help you create a custom plan that covers emergency contacts, shutdown procedures, and more at no cost.
Plan for What Happens After a Flood
Even the best-prepared businesses can still be affected by flooding. Having a recovery plan in place can help you get back on track faster.
Take Safety Precautions First
Before starting any recovery efforts, prioritize safety:
- Shut off the electricity if it’s safe
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwater
- Call restoration pros right away
Start Damage Control ASAP
The quicker you act, the better. Begin mitigation efforts by:
- Remove standing water using pumps or extraction tools.
- Deploy fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth.
- Secure damaged areas to protect against additional harm.
Bring in the Experts
Flood damage is often more extensive than it appears, and DIY fixes may not address underlying issues. Reynolds Restoration Services can help you:
- Assess damage and identify what’s salvageable.
- Restore affected areas efficiently and safely.
- Guide you through the insurance claims process with expert support.
Why Choose Reynolds Restoration Services for Flood Damage Restoration?
Floods are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. With over 20 years of experience, Reynolds Restoration Services is the trusted partner for commercial properties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland.
We specialize in helping businesses prevent, prepare for, and recover from flooding with professional, efficient, and effective solutions.
With over 20 years of experience, Reynolds Restoration Services is the trusted partner for commercial properties across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. We’re here to help you prevent, prepare for and recover from flooding—professionally and efficiently.
Do you know how to prepare your business for a flood? Reach out today to learn more about our services or get started with the PREP Program.
President of Reynolds Restoration Services. Over 20 years of experience in the emergency restoration industry.