As winter melts into spring, businesses face a variety of weather-related challenges, one of the most significant being the threat of flooding. Spring showers, combined with melting snow and ice, can create dangerous conditions for businesses, particularly those in flood-prone areas. While heavy rainfall is a common cause of flooding during this time, an often-overlooked risk is the formation of ice jams and ice flows, which can lead to sudden, unpredictable flooding.
Ice jams occur when chunks of ice build up in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water, blocking the natural flow and causing water to back up and overflow. Ice flows—large sheets of ice that break off and move downstream—can also disrupt waterways and damage nearby structures. These hazards, along with seasonal rains, can spell disaster for businesses unprepared for the changing conditions.
In this post, we’ll explore how businesses can protect themselves from the dual threats of spring flooding and ice jams, and how to develop a flood-specific response plan to minimize downtime and maintain continuity.
Understanding the Risks of Seasonal Flooding, Ice Jams, and Ice Flows
Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters, and during the spring, the combination of melting snow, heavy rain, and the formation of ice jams can increase the risk significantly. Even if your business isn’t located in a high-risk flood zone, ice jams in nearby rivers or streams can cause sudden, localized flooding that may reach your property. Ice flows, on the other hand, can carry large sheets of ice downstream, damaging bridges, roads, and buildings along the way.
Cities and towns near rivers, lakes, or streams are particularly vulnerable to ice-related flooding, as the thawing process and ice accumulation can quickly overwhelm water management systems. The suddenness of these events often catches businesses off guard, which is why proactive planning is key.
Protecting Your Business from Seasonal Flooding, Ice Jams, and Water Damage
While floods and ice jams are unpredictable, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage and keep your business protected. By following these guidelines, you can safeguard your operations from the combined threats of rising water levels and moving ice.
1. Assess Your Business’s Flood and Ice Jam Risk
The first step in protecting your business from flooding and ice-related threats is understanding your level of risk. This includes assessing both traditional flooding risks and the potential for ice jams in your area.
- Check flood maps and ice jam data: Use resources like FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and consult with local authorities to understand your business’s flood risk. Additionally, look into historical ice jam data to see if your region has experienced these events in the past.
- Evaluate your property’s proximity to water sources: If your business is located near rivers, lakes, or streams, you may be more susceptible to ice jams and ice flows. Pay close attention to upstream areas where ice may accumulate, as blockages there can lead to downstream flooding.
2. Implement Physical Barriers and Flood-Proofing Measures
Once you’ve assessed your risk, the next step is to implement protective measures that can help mitigate potential water and ice damage. This includes both temporary and permanent solutions that can be activated during flood events or when ice jams are likely to occur.
- Install flood barriers: Flood barriers, such as sandbags or inflatable dams, can help divert water away from your building during heavy rain or ice jam-related flooding. For long-term protection, consider installing permanent flood doors or water-resistant gates at key entry points.
- Protect against ice damage: Ice flows can be especially damaging to exterior structures and equipment. If you’re located near a waterway, consider reinforcing areas that are at risk of impact from large ice sheets, such as outdoor storage areas or parking lots.
- Elevate equipment and storage: Store critical equipment, machinery, and inventory above potential flood levels. This is particularly important for electronics, servers, and vital paperwork that could be damaged by rising water.
3. Ensure Proper Drainage and Water Flow
One of the main contributors to flood damage is poor drainage around your business property. Ensuring that rainwater and melting snow or ice are directed away from your building can help prevent water from pooling and causing damage.
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts: Regularly check that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning properly to direct water away from your building. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and accumulate around your foundation.
- Monitor nearby waterways: Pay attention to local water levels, especially during spring thaw. Ice jams can cause sudden rises in water levels, so keeping an eye on nearby rivers or streams can help you anticipate potential flooding.
4. Secure Appropriate Flood Insurance
Standard business insurance policies typically do not cover flood or ice damage, so it’s important to secure additional flood insurance if your business is at risk. This coverage can help you recover from flood-related losses and protect your business from the financial burden of repairs and downtime.
- Purchase a flood insurance policy: Look into specialized flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Make sure your coverage includes both property damage and business interruption coverage to account for lost revenue during downtime.
- Review your policy annually: As your business grows, make sure to review your insurance coverage regularly to ensure that your policy remains adequate for your current risk level.
Developing a Flood-Specific Response Plan
In addition to physical protections, it’s critical to develop a flood-specific response plan to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity. Your flood response plan should be integrated into your overall emergency preparedness plan and include protocols for addressing both flooding and ice-related events.
1. Identify Essential Operations and Prioritize Protection
Your flood response plan should begin with identifying the essential operations that are critical to keeping your business running. Whether it’s protecting important records, securing key equipment, or maintaining communication with your staff, determine which operations need to be prioritized during a flood or ice jam event.
- Designate critical personnel: Assign a team responsible for coordinating the flood response. Ensure they are familiar with emergency procedures and have the authority to make decisions in the event of an ice jam or flood.
- Create a priority checklist: Develop a checklist of tasks that need to be completed when a flood or ice jam warning is issued. This might include securing equipment, backing up data, and moving valuable assets to higher ground.
2. Establish Communication Protocols
Effective communication is vital during any emergency. Your flood response plan should outline clear communication protocols to ensure that your team knows what to do, when to act, and how to stay safe.
- Create a communication tree: Develop a communication tree to ensure all employees, partners, and stakeholders are informed of the situation and any necessary actions.
- Utilize emergency notification systems: Consider using an emergency notification system to send automated alerts to your employees in the event of a flood or ice jam. This ensures timely updates, even if power or communication systems are compromised.
3. Develop a Continuity Plan for Post-Flood Recovery
Flooding and ice-related events can lead to significant downtime, especially if your property suffers damage. A solid business continuity plan will help you minimize disruptions and get your business back on track after an event.
- Create backup plans for critical functions: Identify ways to continue essential business functions remotely or through alternative locations if your primary location is unusable.
- Prepare for cleanup and restoration: After a flood or ice jam, quick action is required to clean up and restore your business. Establish relationships with restoration companies and create a plan for water removal, mold remediation, and repairs.
Final thoughts…
Floods and ice jams can be devastating for businesses, but with proper planning and preparation, you can reduce the risks and protect your operations. By taking proactive measures—like flood-proofing your property, securing flood insurance, and developing a comprehensive response plan—you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of seasonal flooding and ice jams.
At Fortitude Emergency Management Inc., we go beyond just preparing businesses for emergencies—we provide tailored, comprehensive emergency preparedness solutions designed to address the specific risks that your business faces during the spring season and beyond. Whether you’re concerned about flooding, severe storms, or other weather-related threats, our team offers a range of services to keep your business protected and operational no matter the circumstances.
Our Small Business Emergency Plan Program is available in both virtual and on-site formats, ensuring that you receive hands-on guidance and expert assistance in crafting a custom emergency plan tailored to your business needs. We also offer professional emergency plan reviews to help you identify any gaps or weaknesses in your current strategy. For businesses looking for ongoing support, our retainer program provides year-round access to services like quarterly emergency drills, plan maintenance, and 24/7 on-call emergency support.
With quarterly reviews, employee training, and priority status for incident response, we ensure that your business stays resilient no matter what risks come your way.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to start planning—take action now to safeguard your business for the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our emergency preparedness solutions. You can reach us at [email protected], or visit our website at https://fortitudeem.com to explore our services in detail and book a free consultation.