With spring on the way, the snow and ice are quickly melting and causing major floods in some Canadian regions. At this time of year, it’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency so that people can get to safety as quickly as possible and have minimal damage on their homes and businesses.
Here are some ways to prepare for a flood at your office:
Create a Plan
It’s essential to have a plan in place if a flood unexpectedly hits. Your goal is to do what you can to avoid as much damage as possible. Working out an evacuation plan and identifying escape points will ease people’s minds and prevent disorganization when it’s time to act. Have everyone agree on safe meeting points and make sure they know how to reach them, as some new employees may be unfamiliar with the building.
Inform Your Staff
Having your staff run through the plan on paper keeps it fresh in everyone’s mind, especially if it’s done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis; but some people remember details better if they experience them first hand, so having your staff do a walk-through in the building will ensure their readiness when there’s a flood. This will also keep the panic level down should such an incident actually occur.
In addition to making an evacuation plan, discuss the hazards that will arise during a flood, such as electrocution (cause by the equipment in the building). If news of a flood has already reached you and your staff, then it would be in everyone’s best interests to immediately turn off and unplug the equipment, like computers and kitchen appliances, and place these on high shelves and cabinets—anywhere that is safe and close to the ceiling is ideal. Of course, if it’s possible to do this before evacuating, then you will be able to prevent a lot of damage and save money on replacements.
Remember that in a situation like this, your safety and that of your staff comes first.
Have Sandbags on Hand
Sandbags are the barriers of choice to block floods and work best when placed at entry points. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to know if a flood will hit, and placing sandbags takes time as well as strength. Not to mention, you won’t know which areas need the sandbags the most. If it’s possible, have spare sandbags available in several areas.
Call the Paul Davis Team
You’ve invested a lot into your business and we, at Paul Davis, are here to take away the stress of repairing and replacing all your hard work and get your business running again.
If you have any questions or require our services, contact us today. Whether a flood occurs because of leaking pipes or Mother Nature, the experts at Paul Davis are available 24/7 to provide high-quality clean up, restoration and remedial measures.