Mitigating Flood Damage Risks

Floods are an unfortunate part of life for many people and businesses in Australia, and the devastation they cause can be catastrophic. Sadly, the recovery from flood damage is often not as quick as people would hope, and this can have significant consequences for businesses.

We can’t prevent a flood from occurring, but we can take steps to reduce the impact. The tips below will help business owners and their staff be better prepared for a flood and better able to prevent or reduce impacts to the business. They’ll help you get back on your feet and trading again sooner.

Definition of Flood

For the purpose of this article, the definition of flood is as per your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS):

Flood means the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any of the following:

  • a lake (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
  • a river (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
  • a creek (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
  • another natural watercourse (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
  • a reservoir;
  • a canal; or
  • a dam.

Pre-flood Planning

  • Be aware of the flood rating and likelihood for your location. Speak with locals about the flood history if new to the area.
  • Use flood-resistant materials during fit-outs to reduce potential damage.
  • Have an evacuation plan. Make sure all staff are familiar with it and that it covers getting to higher ground if needed.
  • Plan how to move stock and electronic equipment to safer areas in advance.
  • Prepare for sandbagging inside and outside the premises — including over drains and toilets. Consider sand-free sandbags.
  • Assemble an emergency kit with insurance details, an asset register, and essential tools.
  • Back up business data offsite or use cloud-based solutions for access if your premises becomes unreachable.
  • Maintain an up-to-date asset register to make insurance claims easier and faster.
  • Discuss business interruption insurance with your Guild Insurance Account Manager or adviser.
  • Keep your building well-maintained to minimise additional damage during a flood.
  • If you lease, raise any building concerns with your landlord promptly.
  • Develop a business continuity plan to manage customers and operations after a disaster.
  • Create a list of local trades and services you may need post-flood. Your real estate agent can help with recommendations.

Planning When a Flood Is Imminent

  • Take flood warnings seriously. Follow local advice and implement your flood plan early.
  • Know where to get up-to-date local information so you can act at the right time.
  • Bring outdoor items inside to prevent damage or them being washed away.
  • Turn off gas and electricity before evacuating, if safe to do so. Know how to do this ahead of time.

Post-flood Response

  • Go to guildinsurance.com.au/claims to report damage and obtain a claim number.
  • If you clean up before an assessor arrives, photograph and list damaged items before disposal to assist with your claim.
  • Guild’s Claims team will help you coordinate the right professionals — from builders to restoration specialists.
  • Government assistance may be available after a disaster. Check your local, state, and federal government channels for updates.

Download the PDF here.

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