Is Dry Flood Proofing an Option for Your Business?

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting your building from flood damage is a crucial step in avoiding losses during natural disasters or trouble with plumbing systems. Around the country, the risk of flooding is increasing for business owners. There are a few options you can take to keep your St. Charles, MO, business safe from losses:

1. Build on or move to higher ground.
2. Create barriers around commercial structures.
3. Dry flood proof your properties.

Possible Roadblocks

Many business owners, especially of smaller operations, don't have the option of moving their property or setting up from scratch. It may also be difficult to get permission to build new structures if the business front is rented or if the community has specific requirements for new construction. In many cases, dry flood proofing is the most cost-effective route for reducing losses and damage from flooding.

A Proven Strategy

What is dry flood proofing? This strategy for protecting buildings from storm damage involves the use of seals and pumps for a water tight perimeter. The use of barriers is also a component. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses this protective method. As a business owner, you may want to consider the value of this strategy for your own company.

Decision Factors

Guarding against flood damage with dry proofing is a smart move. As you consider the costs and benefits of this solution, there are several factors to take into account:

• Benefit-cost ratio involving factors such as insurance rates and business financing
  
• Current and future use of buildings and the potential for business disruption
  
• The safety of occupants on your property, including employees and customers
  
• Existing flood emergency operation plans
  
  

Flood damage restoration professionals can often offer information about your specific community. If a dry flood proofing plan isn't right for your business, consider an alternate emergency operational plan. While working through these steps, schedule routine inspections and ongoing maintenance. Work closely with water damage and remediation experts in your area.