Flood risks are increasing globally and pose a threat to business operations. Between 2018 and 2023, flood damage expenses in the U.S. totaled an estimated $20-$50 billion. The business impacts from flooding can include employee safety, building damage, supply shortages, and more. Preparing for and understanding the flood risks surrounding business locations will reduce the potential impact.
Why are Flood Risks Rising?
The warmer climate is a factor in producing more precipitation and increasing flood chances. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer the atmosphere is, it can hold 4% more moisture. The extra moisture in the air produces more powerful rainfall, longer duration, and repeated showers.
A warming climate also intensifies sea level rise and can increase flood risks in coastal areas. Half of the population in the U.S. lives or works in a coastal area, including critical infrastructure and 58% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
A significant role in how a warmer atmosphere affects flood risks is land use. The addition of more urban landscapes alters the natural drainage systems. New, impervious surfaces such as parking areas and roads compromise natural drainage capacity and reduce soil infiltration. This leads to an increase in pluvial flooding and challenges city drainage infrastructure. Population growth aids in the need for new construction of residential and commercial buildings and expansion of urban areas. Inadequate flood mapping also leads to construction in higher-risk areas.
How to Mitigate Flood Risks
Knowledge and preparation are keys to mitigating flood risks for employers, employees, and assets. Whether it's from local news or a private weather company contracted for specific locations, safety managers and business continuity professionals must be alerted to weather forecasts and put response plans into action as early as possible. It's necessary to perform a thorough risk assessment of assets in order to build the correct response plan. Consider the land use surrounding local assets. Is the area in a flood zone, or has recent construction altered drainage capacities? City drainage measures also need to be studied. Are retention ponds nearby, or are there any issues with the current storm drains?
Response Plans
Most organizations have standard response plans for storms or tropical events, but having a plan to address flood risks is recommended. Flooding does not necessarily have to be part of a tropical, or severe, storm system and may be caused by a large amount of rainfall in a short period. The risks posed by flooding can be exclusive of those from more severe storms. A perfect example of flooding independent from severe storms is the atmospheric flooding in California in 2023.
After completing a risk assessment, an organization can prepare a proper plan, including employee and asset evacuation routes, shelters, supplies, and transportation. Employees need to consider evacuation procedures and routes and have appropriate transportation ahead of flooding. Storing proper supplies is crucial to ensuring assets are secure, and employees are safe if evacuation is not possible. Routine supply checks are recommended to avoid expired products or shortages. All shelters must have proper signage and regular maintenance to avoid issues during an emergency. Transportation is necessary to guarantee the safe evacuation of staff and important documents. The chances of securing ample transportation out of the area increase when flood risks are identified early.
Testing the response plans and communicating with all stakeholders is extremely important. Businesses are increasingly holding emergency response drills for all employees to ensure response plans are clear and concise. Everyone involved should receive updates to the response plans.
As the climate and population continue to evolve and grow, flood risks will continue to rise for businesses. Understanding the key elements and following a recommended response plan for an organization will continue to be the best path to protection.
