Floods are one of the most frequent and damaging natural disasters in North America. Gushing water can severely harm critical infrastructures, leaving many properties unable to recover financially. Community leaders should develop prevention plans to protect themselves as flooding events become more intense.
Floods can be particularly devastating to the public sector. Communities provide public places of assembly and other accommodations for civilians in the community in times of need. Infrastructure damage can reduce security and usability of these spaces. Floods can negatively impact the safe refuge of persons during disasters. Preventive measures can improve the use of these places of assembly and reduce the risk of flood damage. Critical infrastructure such as hospitals/healthcare and law enforcement facilities, utility substations, levees, critical roads and emergency management centers all need protection both during the event and as floodwaters recede. Recovery from a flood/weather event is accelerated with proper planning coupled with appropriate proactive flood protection measures. Infrastructure damage can reduce the security and usability of these spaces.
Community resilience is a major goal of Emergency Managers in communities across North America. Techniques to mitigate the effects of flood waters using techniques such as perimeter flood protection can build community resilience.
Floods and other natural disasters can make achieving this objective difficult or impossible. Depending on their severity, floods can disrupt community tempo and even create hazardous circumstances. The best way to reduce these effects is by developing a strong flood protection plan. These measures are important for many reasons, including:
Protecting your property: By taking preventive measures, you can reduce flood-related damages and risks. Community buildings rely on secure accommodations to serve the public in times of need. However, water can flood rooms and ruin furniture, accessories and other building assets. In some cases, water damage may be so severe that building cannot recover lost assets. Proactive measures can help to mitigate some of these risks.
Helping civilians: A thorough flood protection plan can help protect people during natural disasters. You can provide clear instructions to staff and the public on the next steps to take during the event and give recommendations on how to navigate the situation. A clear plan helps employees and other people remain calm during emergency situations. Properly protecting critical infrastructure and coordinating effectively with emergency management enables faster resumption of regular operations on all fronts post-event.
Reducing loss costs: Floods can cause harsh financial repercussions for building owners. If spaces become uninhabitable, you could lose significant revenue from commercial lease holders. In addition, you might have to pay extensive repair and maintenance costs - creating a significant burden on the taxpayer. Protective measures can lower the risks of physical flood damage.
Preventive actions and a thorough flood protection plan are essential for community resilience. Here are some steps you can take to protect property from flood damage:
The first step in flood protection is to have Flood Protection Solutions determine your flood zone, elevation and overall risk. By calculating these, we can create a protection plan that meets your specific environmental and climate needs.
Flood Protection Solutions can determine your flood zone and elevation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses base flood elevation (BFE) as a critical factor for flood prevention. BFE is the level where your infrastructure has a 1% chance of flooding each year. Your building should be several feet above your area’s BFE to add more protection against rising floodwaters. To calculate your area’s BFE, we will consult FEMA guidelines or contact your local municipality.
Research the average flood risks in your area. Consider questions like:
Floodproofing techniques can keep your infrastructure more secure against oncoming floodwaters. Flood Protection Solutions can implement many different floodproofing methods. Here are some of the best ways to prepare your site:
Sealing cracks and gaps: Rising floodwaters can enter your facility from many angles and access points. To protect your building, use caulk or other suitable material to seal cracks around your windows, doors, pipes and other exposed areas. Closing these gaps can also assist with insulation and temperature control, making it a beneficial practice on multiple fronts.
Protecting electrical components: Electrical systems can quickly become hazardous in the presence of water. Anything from air conditioning units to circuit breakers could get damaged during floods. You can take preventive measures to keep the systems safe. For example, you could move essential electrical components to higher floors to limit their exposure to rising water. It’s often best to consult with an electrician to discuss the safest approach to moving electrical equipment.
Applying a waterproof coating: You could also add a waterproof coating to your building's exterior. These layers can help keep water from getting into the building and prevent mold or mildew from developing after a flood recedes.
Site owners should consider the installation of a flood protection system. These systems generally consist of flood barriers and other durable materials that lower the risk of flood damage. Customized options to meet your location’s specific environmental needs are available.
Flood Protection Solutions is a leading provider of engineered flood protection systems and solutions. We have provided high-quality and comprehensive flood protection services for commercial and industrial infrastructure, and we strive to find clients the flood solution best suited to their property.
Our deployable flood protection systems can help mitigate flood risks for your property. We work closely with you to design a system that accommodates any obstructions or elevation differences. Flood Protection Solutions offers a thorough step-by-step process:
Flood consultation: First, we meet with you and offer expert flood guidance. We can help you obtain a flood risk analysis report, which is based on your local risk and other environmental factors.
Flood plan creation: Next, our team can develop a preventive flood plan based on your analysis report and your preferences.
Flood system design: We then design a flood system that matches your risk levels, environmental circumstances and other criteria.
Implementation Plan Development Assistance: Flood Protection Solutions will assist your organization with the development of a thoughtful implementation plan for your flood protection system.
System training: Lastly, Flood Protection Solutions offers training on properly deploying the flood system. Our experts can also answer questions that are likely to arise during use.
Flood Protection Solutions will work together with your organization to mitigate flood risks for your property.
Flood protection is a critical consideration for all buildings and other infrastructure. Preventive measures and protective systems can lower your risk of damage.
Choose Flood Protection Solutions today for comprehensive and high-quality flood solutions. We offer services across the North America and can help you craft the best protection plan. Our deployable flood systems provide thorough and durable protection from flooding elements.
To get started with Flood Protection Solutions, contact us today.
