Protected from flooding?
Environmental Services Provider, Adler and Allan, is urging businesses to take proper precautions to protect their assets from the damaging effects of flooding. As we continue with the wet and stormy weather, many properties previously unaffected by water damage are now bearing the brunt – one in six UK buildings is currently at risk.
“This trend is only set to increase,” said Alan Scrafton, Marketing Manager for Adler and Allan. “According the DEFRA, flooding is the worst threat to Britain as a result of climate change, with flood risk properties quadrupling over the next 20 years.
“If your business has remained unscathed so far, it doesn’t mean it won’t incur flood damage in the future. Companies need to have proper plans in place and carryout the correct post-clean up procedure to limit damage to assets and prevent pollution. This is a legal requirement for fire and the same should be true of flooding.”
“For larger organisations flooding can cost millions, and where oil or other hazardous materials are on site the risk to the environment is considerable.”
- Pre-plan: Make sure you have a flood plan in place, Adler and Allan can help businesses assess risk and create this plan.
- Appoint someone responsible in-house to take charge of the plan should flood water strike.
- Check your flood risk: Keep a close eye on the Environment Agency’s website which issues regular warnings for those areas at risk of flooding. You can register with the EA Floodline to receive these warnings direct.
- Defend: Flood defences can protect assets and minimise the risk of environmental damage – Adler and Allan provides a full range.
- Protect your assets: Check insurance policies to see if you are covered for business interruption, loss of profit and water damage. If you know water’s on its way, relocate anything of high value and disconnect electrical appliances and the gas supply.
- Prevent pollution: Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, or other hazardous materials. Make sure drains are clear and separators (founds on petrol station forecourts and hauliers yards) are maintained.
- Clean up: Cleaning up the aftermath of a flood quickly and efficiently is essential for saving water damaged equipment and buildings, as well as minimising any risk to the environment. Adler and Allan’s Emergency Response teams are on call 24/7 and can strengthen flood defences, dispose of floodwater and clean or remove damaged stock, minimising operational downtime.
Adler and Allan was the principle contractor for the Buncefield clean-up and prominent in responding to the 2007 floods. The company is an approved contractor to the UK Environment Agency, the Marine and Coastguard Agency, as well as many blue-chip industrial and commercial companies.
