Flood Preparedness Guide 2025

LARGE FLOODS ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT IN MANY AREAS ACROSS THE GLOBE. KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK AND REVIEW THE GUIDANCE IN THIS ARTICLE TO HELP MITIGATE LOSS.

As flood risk rises and flood-prone areas expand, we continue to see firsthand the destructive damage that water can cause. Floods, which may result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems, are increasingly affecting inland areas, not just the coasts. And while these events can incur significant costs due to physical damages, the economic fallout can be four or more times that.

For property owners and managers, creating a comprehensive flood emergency response plan can help ensure the safety of employees and/or guests, minimize damage and facilitate a quicker recovery. Our Ascot Claims and Loss Control professionals have compiled the following tips to help commercial business owners protect their property and their people before, during, and after a flood.

Before, During, and After the Flood

BEFORE THE FLOOD

Risk Assessment

Determine the likelihood and potential impact of flooding in your area and which parts of your facility and operations are most at risk. Access FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center here, UK Flood Risk Maps here and EU Flood Risk Areas Viewer here.

Emergency Response

Assign roles and designate team members responsible for specific tasks during a flood. Conduct regular training and drills to ensure all members know what to do.

Communication Plan

Establish a system to notify all employees, visitors, guests and/or customers and suppliers. Designate meetings areas where everyone should gather if the facility needs to be evacuated.

Protective Measures

Install flood barriers or sandbags to prevent water from entering the building. Set up or move critical equipment (such as servers) and documents to higher ground or to other locations (if available).

Documentation

Document the condition of the property and the contents within via photographs or videos to facilitate the claims process in case of losses.

Business Continuity Plan

Ensure data and critical systems are backed up and can be accessed remotely. Review and update your insurance policies to cover flood related damages.

In addition to a flood emergency response plan, please see FEMA’s BE PREPARED FOR A FLOOD for full details on how to prepare for a flood.

DURING THE FLOOD

• Evacuate immediately if told to do so. Never drive around barricades and do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Just six (6) inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep away your vehicle.
• Stay informed. Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS), NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for emergency information.
• Stay inside your vehicle if trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if the water is rising in the vehicle.
• Move to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only move to the roof if necessary and signal for help. To prevent the possibility of getting trapped by rising water, avoid moving to a closed attic space.

AFTER THE FLOOD

• Only return to your property when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Be aware of the risks of electrocution. Even if the power seems to be out, live electrical wires may still be present.
• Avoid wading in standing water, which can be contaminated with debris or other underground hazards.
• People with asthma or other lung conditions should not enter buildings where mold growth can be seen or smelled.
• Inform your insurance company as soon as it is safe to do so.

Contact David A. Larson, U.S. Head of Loss Control & Risk Management, to learn more about our loss control capabilities.

Visit ascotgroup.com for more information about our specialty insurance solutions.

Claim Notification
For information on how to submit a claim to Ascot, please visit:
www.ascotgroup.com/claims

Download a copy of the Flood Preparedness Guide 2025

Loss prevention consultation services (“Services”) are provided on behalf of insurance company affiliates within the Ascot US group of insurers. Services are intended to assist the policyholder or contracted firms with the mitigation or elimination of potential loss producing situations. Any information provided is not intended as legal advice or legal counsel and is not intended to assure compliance with or complete analysis of any law, rule, or regulation. There is no warranty, express or implied, that all potential hazards and conditions have been evaluated or identified or that potential hazards are safely controlled. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and some may be available in the United States only on a surplus line basis through licensed surplus line brokers. The publication and delivery of the information contained herein is not intended as a solicitation for the purchase of insurance on any US risk. California Surplus Lines License: Ascot General Insurance Agency, Inc. License #: 0K61371.