Spring Flood Risk for Commercial Properties: Is Your Business Prepared?
Spring thaw in Canada brings increased threat from flooding for commercial properties, besides the warmth of the sun. Floods are now Canada’s most frequent, damaging natural disasters, averaging $800 million worth of insured losses in a year. With the increase in extreme weather events, especially $3.5 billion in insured flood damages reported in Summer 2024, the time has come for business owners to be proactive before spring runoff becomes spring damage.
Why Spring Flooding Is a Risk for Businesses?
Spring flooding affects business properties from structural damage to being an impediment in daily operations. The damages may include seepage through cracks on foundations, leaking through roofs from poor maintenance, or failed sump pumps that cause loss of equipment and extended downtime. Flood prevention measures should occupy a permanent place on every commercial property owner’s spring checklist.
How to Prepare Your Property for Spring Thaw
Keeping in mind the saying, ‘Look from the top’: inspect and maintain the roof and drainage system to ensure water takes a free flow down and away from the building. Clean out gutters and top it all by checking that roof drains and scuppers aren’t obstructed to avoid pooling. Around the foundation, seal any cracks and consider placing temporary flood barriers or sandbags at entrances to block any entry of water.
Inside the building, make sure the sump pumps are working and that critical systems like HVAC units, transformers, or server rooms are building-level elevated. Keep floor drains clear, test backup generator operation, and check if the emergency lighting is working. Wi-Fi breakers for electrical systems could also be installed so that emergency shutoffs can be controlled remotely.
Exterior and Surroundings Must Likewise Not Be Neglected
Outside your property, remove ice and snow at the drains, and ensure your lot slopes away from the foundation so water does not pool. Keep emergency exits clear, set hazardous materials up on racks, and verify that backwater valves are installed and working to guard against sewage backups. The small things go a long way in reducing damage risks.
Emergency Planning
The existence of a business continuity plan could mean quick recovery or downtime and lots of it. Regularly review emergency protocols with your staff, have communication plans in place for tenants or clients, and back up a digital copy of every insurance document. Highly costly are flood-related business interruptions, so best be too covered and ready.
Insurance That Works When You Need It Most
Choose the commercial property insurance that covers flood damage, business interruptions, and protection of key assets. At A-Kan Insurance, our land insurance brokers work with you and tailor your policy depending on your property risk, local flood zones, and operational needs.
Protect What Matters
Don’t get caught waiting for the flood waters to rise on your property. Assessment of your current policy or learning about flood cover that your business requires are services our experts Insurance Brokers are ready to offer you. Contact us to make sure your property is protected this spring.
Request a quote today.
