Prepare your Business for Flooding

Preparation makes a difference

Preparing for a flood can significantly reduce damage to your business. Studies show that businesses with flood plans and resilience measures in place can reduce losses to stock and equipment by up to 90%. Taking action before a flood happens can also reduce stress, minimise disruption, and help your business recover more quickly. Improve your chances of staying operational during and after a flood by:

Making your premises more flood resilient
Protecting important documents and digital data
Creating a clear business flood plan
Ensuring staff know what to do in an emergency

Use the official business flood checklist to assess your preparedness and identify practical steps to protect your business.

Download a printable version

What to do in the event of a flood

Spot the signs (act fast)

Severe weather reports or heavy rain.
Rising, dark, or churning river water.
Debris building up in nearby rivers or streams.

Spot the signs (act fast)

Person with high vis jacket and clip board

Immediate actions

Quickly delegate tasks. Make sure everyone knows exactly who is responsible for what.
Move valuable stock and equipment out of the way of potential floodwater.
Turn off your main gas, electricity, and water supplies.
Lock all doors and windows, and set your property alarms.

Immediate actions

Evacuate safely

Gather all staff and visitors in a safe place. Ensure everyone is accounted for and offer reassurance.
Do not walk or drive through floodwater. Most flash flood injuries and deaths happen this way. Drains may be exposed, and debris is often hidden beneath the surface.
If you are trapped by a flash flood move to an upper floor and wait for emergency services. If you are in a single-story building or caught outside, take shelter in the nearest two-story building or head to higher ground. Call 999 if you are trapped.

Evacuate safely

Emergency contacts

Emergency Services - If you are trapped or in immediate danger: Call 999.
Calderdale Council - For general assistance or locating a rest centre: Call 01422 288001 (Out of hours: 01422 288000).
Environment Agency - For live updates via the Floodline: Call 0345 988 1188.

Emergency contacts

After the flood

Do not return to your property until the emergency services declare it safe.
Once the flood is over, review and update your Business Flood Plan with any lessons learned.