Floods and Your Business
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Floods are one of the most common, and most costly, natural disasters. Preparing before a flood can help protect your business, ensure the safety of your employees, minimize damage to your property, and speed the recovery process. Use this checklist to prepare your business and employees before, during, and after a flood situation.Floods and Your Business [PDF] |
Determine the risk of flooding in your area
Interactive State Flooding Information Map
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Water Watch: Map of Flood and High Flow Conditions
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
Know the Terminology
Flood Watch:Conditions are favorable for flooding. Be Prepared!
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already happening. Take Action!
Flash Flood Watch:Conditions are favorable for flash flooding - typically within 6-48 hours. Be Prepared!
Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is imminent or occurring. Move immediately to high ground. Take Action!
Resources for Employees
Clean Up Safely After a Disaster
Website with links to specific disaster cleanup and hazard topics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website with links to specific disaster cleanup and hazard topics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Floods
CDC's main website of flood preparedness, response and recovery information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC's main website of flood preparedness, response and recovery information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Flood Warning vs. Watch
Website discussing the differences in flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
Website discussing the differences in flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
Flooding: A Checklist for Small and Very Small Meat, Poultry and Egg Processing Plants
Checklist for small processing plants to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding situations.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)
Checklist for small processing plants to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding situations.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)
Interactive State Flooding Information Map
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Interim guidance for protecting workers from livestock and poultry wastewater and sludge during and after floods
Guidance to protect workers from illness and injury after floods affecting animal feeding operations.
Centers for Disease Control NIOSH
Guidance to protect workers from illness and injury after floods affecting animal feeding operations.
Centers for Disease Control NIOSH
Water Watch: Map of Flood and High Flow Conditions
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
Resources for Your Business
100-Year Flood - It's All About Chance
Information explaining the concept and uncertainties of the "100-year" flood.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Information explaining the concept and uncertainties of the "100-year" flood.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Anchor Fuel Tanks
Factsheet on how to anchor a fuel tank to protect it and your home or business during flooding situations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Factsheet on how to anchor a fuel tank to protect it and your home or business during flooding situations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Build with Flood-Damage Resistant Materials
Factsheet on protecting your property from flooding through the use of flood damage resistant building materials.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Factsheet on protecting your property from flooding through the use of flood damage resistant building materials.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Building a Sandbag Dike (video)
Video (5.25 minutes) discussing how to properly build a sandbag dike.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Video (5.25 minutes) discussing how to properly build a sandbag dike.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Clean Up Safely After a Disaster
Website with links to specific disaster cleanup and hazard topics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website with links to specific disaster cleanup and hazard topics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach After an Emergency
Recommendations and safety tips for using bleach for cleaning and sanitizing after an emergency.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Recommendations and safety tips for using bleach for cleaning and sanitizing after an emergency.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs
Factsheet on how to handle carpeting and rugs damaged during flood situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet on how to handle carpeting and rugs damaged during flood situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Electrical Systems and Appliances: General Clean-up and What to do Before the Electrician Arrives
Factsheet describing steps to take with electrical systems and appliances following a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet describing steps to take with electrical systems and appliances following a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Floods
CDC's main website of flood preparedness, response and recovery information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC's main website of flood preparedness, response and recovery information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Website with FEMA flood maps - find flood maps for your area or address.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website with FEMA flood maps - find flood maps for your area or address.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Flood Clean-Up and the Air in Your Home
Booklet for basic information on how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Booklet for basic information on how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Flood Cleanup
Webstite with booklets and posters on flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues - available in multiple languages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Webstite with booklets and posters on flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues - available in multiple languages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home Poster
Poster discussing safet flood cleanup measures.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Poster discussing safet flood cleanup measures.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
Factsheet discussing long-term indoor air quality problems following flooding situations and how you can lessen these effects.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Factsheet discussing long-term indoor air quality problems following flooding situations and how you can lessen these effects.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Flood Hazards - A National Threat
Factsheet describing the impact of floods and USGS monitoring efforts.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Factsheet describing the impact of floods and USGS monitoring efforts.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Flood Warning vs. Watch
Website discussing the differences in flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
Website discussing the differences in flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
Flood-Damaged Walls, Ceilings and Floors
Factsheet on how to remove moisture, clean and repair your property after a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet on how to remove moisture, clean and repair your property after a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Flooding: A Checklist for Small and Very Small Meat, Poultry and Egg Processing Plants
Checklist for small processing plants to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding situations.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)
Checklist for small processing plants to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding situations.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)
Floodplain Management Resources
Website listing Kansas Department of Agriculture Floodplain Management newsletters.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Website listing Kansas Department of Agriculture Floodplain Management newsletters.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Hazards and Threats Preparedness Resources
Website with numerous factsheets on topics for recovering from various all-hazard situations.
Louisiana State University Ag Center
Website with numerous factsheets on topics for recovering from various all-hazard situations.
Louisiana State University Ag Center
Install Sewer Backflow Valves
Factsheet on prevention measures to take to protect your property from sewage backups.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Factsheet on prevention measures to take to protect your property from sewage backups.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Interactive State Flooding Information Map
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding that has occurred there.
National Weather Service
Interim guidance for protecting workers from livestock and poultry wastewater and sludge during and after floods
Guidance to protect workers from illness and injury after floods affecting animal feeding operations.
Centers for Disease Control NIOSH
Guidance to protect workers from illness and injury after floods affecting animal feeding operations.
Centers for Disease Control NIOSH
Key Facts about Flood Readiness
Basic steps to take to prepare for a flood, including emergency supplies you may need.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Basic steps to take to prepare for a flood, including emergency supplies you may need.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Large Floods in the United States: Where They Happen and Why
Document discussing the largest floods that have occurred within the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Document discussing the largest floods that have occurred within the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Mold After a Disaster
Website with links to flyers, public service announcements, and resources regarding mold cleanup and safety after a flood situation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website with links to flyers, public service announcements, and resources regarding mold cleanup and safety after a flood situation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Flood Insurance Program: Flood Insurance Claims Handbook
Link to a claims guide to help individuals through the process of fling a claim and appealing a claim decision.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Link to a claims guide to help individuals through the process of fling a claim and appealing a claim decision.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
NIOSH Warns of Hazards of Flood Cleanup Work
Inforamtion on potential hazards during farm and business cleanup after a flood.
National Institute for Occupational Saftey and Health (NIOSH)
Inforamtion on potential hazards during farm and business cleanup after a flood.
National Institute for Occupational Saftey and Health (NIOSH)
NOAA River Forecasts Website
Monitor river conditions in your area for flood watches and warnings.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Monitor river conditions in your area for flood watches and warnings.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Plugging Home Drains to Prevent Sewage Backup
Factsheet discussing why and how to plug home drains to prevent sewage backup during flooding or heavy rain situations.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Factsheet discussing why and how to plug home drains to prevent sewage backup during flooding or heavy rain situations.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Prevent or Respond to a Snake Bite
Factsheet addressing snake bite prevention or actions following flood situations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Factsheet addressing snake bite prevention or actions following flood situations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Protect Yourself From Chemicals Released During a Natural Disaster
Information on protecting yourself from chemical exposure during flood situations, includes hotline numbers for Poison Control and the EPA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information on protecting yourself from chemical exposure during flood situations, includes hotline numbers for Poison Control and the EPA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Protect Yourself from Mold
Factsheet of measures for protecting yourself and your family from mold hazards after a flood.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Factsheet of measures for protecting yourself and your family from mold hazards after a flood.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Protecting Your Home and Property From Flood Damage
Web site with resources and tips for cleaning and saving water damaged property, such as family treasures, books, photos, valuables.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Web site with resources and tips for cleaning and saving water damaged property, such as family treasures, books, photos, valuables.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Raise Electrical System Components
Factsheet on raising electrical system components in efforts to protect your property from flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Factsheet on raising electrical system components in efforts to protect your property from flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Ready.gov: Floods
Main website for FEMAs Ready America Program containing flood preparedness tips and resources.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Main website for FEMAs Ready America Program containing flood preparedness tips and resources.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Restoring Heating Systems After a Flood
Factsheet describing steps for restoring a heating system after a flood situation.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet describing steps for restoring a heating system after a flood situation.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Returning Home Safelty
Website with information on what to do when returning home after a flood.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website with information on what to do when returning home after a flood.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Rodent and Snake Control: Safety Precuations and Elimination
Factsheet listing safety measures to take for snake and rodent control after a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet listing safety measures to take for snake and rodent control after a flood.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Rodent Control After a Disaster
Recommendations to help residents reduce the risk of disease or personal injury associated with rodents.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Recommendations to help residents reduce the risk of disease or personal injury associated with rodents.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sandbagging for Flood Protection
Factsheet discussing how to properly build a sandbag dike.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Factsheet discussing how to properly build a sandbag dike.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Sandbagging Safety Tips
Video discussing safety tips to remember when filling sandbags during flood situations.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Video discussing safety tips to remember when filling sandbags during flood situations.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Septic Systems: Before, During and After an Emergency
Information on maintaining your septic system before, during and after an flood situation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information on maintaining your septic system before, during and after an flood situation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Septic Systems: What to Do After the Flood
Factsheet with recommendations for addressing septic systems following a flood situation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Factsheet with recommendations for addressing septic systems following a flood situation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Sump Pump Tips
A series of videos of sump pump tips for spring and summer.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
A series of videos of sump pump tips for spring and summer.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
USGS Natural Hazards
Main website of the USGS on flood related resources, including mapping of flood and high flow water conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Main website of the USGS on flood related resources, including mapping of flood and high flow water conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Water Watch: Map of Flood and High Flow Conditions
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
Map showing current flood or high flow conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey
What To Do After the Flood: Private Drinking Water Wells
Factsheet with recommended measures for the emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Factsheet with recommended measures for the emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)