Flooding

If your business is at risk of flooding (see Flood risk, maps and warnings) there are measures you can take to prepare and reduce the impact.

Preparing your business for flooding

Having a plan before flooding strikes will make your business more resilient and will help you to get back to business as usual in the shortest possible time. The government provides advice on how to prepare, which includes a checklist for you to create your plan. 

Prepare your business for flooding (gov.uk) (opens new window)

There is also specific guidance for campsites and caravan parks: Managing flood risk for campsite and caravan park owners (gov.uk) (opens new window).

Actions you can take now

• make a list of the organisations and individuals you deal with, including their contact details, keep a copy in a safe place off the premises
• back up databases or other computer applications regularly, keep a copy in a safe place off the premises
• consider whether you could operate from another location, away from flood risk
• make a list of your machinery and contents so that replacements can be ordered quickly

If flooding hits, keep receipts of any expenditure, and a note of the actions you took, to help with insurance claims.

Get business insurance

You should look into:

• buildings insurance - to cover flood damage to buildings
• contents insurance - to cover damage to items, for example stock
• business interruption insurance - to cover running costs or losses, for example salaries or loss of profit

Small businesses can get advice from the: National Flood Forum (nationalfloodforum.org.uk) (opens new window).

If your insurer asks for evidence of your flood risk, contact the Environment Agency. You'll get a letter within 20 days. It's free for individuals and businesses.

Environment Agency
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges (www.gov.uk) (opens new window)

Business Continuity

Local authorities are required to provide guidance to local businesses on emergency planning and how to prepare. See our Planning for an emergency: Businesses pages for advice.

If your business has been flooded

Follow the relevant information on the government's pages:

What to do after a flood (gov.uk) (opens new window)

And remember, safety first: 

• grounds and buildings should be checked by qualified professionals before you return - a building may look safe, but it could have suffered structural damage
• power and gas supplies should be checked by qualified professionals before switching them on

Check with your insurance company before you start to repair damage, or replace goods - you may receive an interim payment to get your business going again as quickly as possible.