Protect your Business from a Flood - tips from FEMA

Protect your business from flooding in 2014

The Big Bags USA Systems team would like to share some good information from FEMA about how to protect your business from flooding and other natural disasters.  For more info, go to http://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster

Protect your business from all natural hazards:


Install a Generator for Emergency Power

Power outages are commonplace during disasters, and they may last for several days. As a result, even businesses that are not severely damaged can suffer losses because of the interruption of normal operations or the loss of perishable stock. You can reduce these losses and speed the recovery process by installing an emergency generator. First, determine which systems and equipment are essential to the continued operation of your business. They may include one or more of the following:

* Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
* Industrial equipment and major appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers
* Lights (interior and exterior), computers, and other office equipment
* Pumps, including sump pumps, sprinkler system pumps, and well water pumps
* Alarm systems


Protect Business Records and Inventory

Most businesses keep on-site records and files (both hard-copy and electronic) that are essential to normal operations. Some businesses also store raw materials and product inventory. The loss of essential records, files, and other materials during a disaster is commonplace and can not only add to your damage costs but also delay your return to normal operations.

The longer your business is not operating, the more likely you are to lose customers permanently to your competitors. To reduce your vulnerability, determine which records, files, and materials are most important; consider their vulnerability to damage during different types of disasters (such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes) and take steps to protect them, including the following:
  • Raising computers above the flood level and moving them away from large windows 
  • Moving heavy and fragile objects to low shelves
  • Storing vital documents (plans, legal papers, etc.) in a secure off-site location 
  • Regularly backing up vital electronic files (such as billing and payroll records and customer lists) and storing backup copies in a secure off-site location 
  • Securing equipment that could move or fall during an earthquake
  • Prior to hurricanes, cover or protect vital documents and electrical equipment from potential wind driven rain, which may breech the building envelope through windows, doors, or roof systems.

Protect your Business from Flooding



Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials
If your property is in a flood hazard area, you can reduce the damage caused by flood waters and make cleanup easier by using flood damage resistant building materials. Building materials are considered flood resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged. “Significant damage” means any damage that requires more than low cost, cosmetic repair (such as painting). As shown in the figure, flood damage resistant materials should be used for walls, floors, and other parts of a building that are below the base flood elevation (BFE). Both FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have published lists of these materials (see “Other Sources of Information” section). Commonly available flood damage resistant materials include the following:

* concrete, concrete tile, and pre-cast concrete 
* latex or bituminous, ceramic, clay, terrazzo, vinyl, and rubber sheets and tiles 
* pressure-treated (PT) or decay resistant lumber 
* PT wood and cold-formed steel Wall and Ceiling Materials 
* brick, metal, concrete, concrete block, porcelain, slate, glass block, stone, and ceramic and clay tile
* cement board, cold-formed steel, and reinforced concrete 
* polyester epoxy paint 
* PT and decay resistant lumber 
* PT and marine grade plywood 
* foam and closed-cell insulation
* decay resistant wood 
* hollow metal doors, cabinets, foam or closed-cell insulation

Install Sewer Backflow Valves

In some flood-prone areas, flooding can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up through drain pipes into buildings. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but also create health hazards. A good way to protect buildings from sewage backups is to install backflow valves, which are designed to block drain pipes temporarily and prevent return flow. Backflow valves are available in a variety of designs that range from the simple to the complex.

Anchor Fuel Tanks

Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters, posing serious threats not only to you, others, and your property, but also to public safety and the environment. An unanchored tank outside your building can be driven into the building walls by flood waters, or it can be swept downstream, damaging other houses. When an unanchored tank in your basement is moved by flood waters, the supply line can tear free and your basement can be contaminated by oil. Even a buried tank can be pushed to the surface by the buoyant effect of soil saturated by water.

Raise Electrical System Components

Electrical system components, including service panels (fuse and circuit breaker boxes), meters, switches, and outlets, are easily damaged by flood water. If they are inundated for even short periods, they will probably have to be replaced. Another serious problem is the potential for fires caused by short circuits in flooded systems. Raising electrical system components helps you avoid those problems. Also, having an undamaged, operating electrical system after a flood will help you clean up, make repairs, and return to your property with fewer delays.



Have adequate flood protection barrier supplies on hand!

The Big Bags USA systems can effectively be used most anywhere. The flexible design of no rigid bottom structure allows the Big Bags USA sandbags to conform to any sub-surface, making a water-tight seal.  Thus, wherever a protective flood barrier is needed, tops of levees, in the streets, surrounding a building, sides of hills, over sewers, Big Bags USA sandbags can adapt to the topography.  

Big Bags USA will last over 2200 hours of direct sunlight which will allow you to use them over and over again. We recommend keeping the fill material inside of the bags and use them for other projects or flood protection needs to protect your business!

Please let us know if we can help you in your flood preparation planning!


If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please call at (573) 480-6699 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.


D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

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Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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