How Cities and States Protect Businesses from Flooding

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you don't know how to protect your business from storm and flood damage, call SERVPRO, we are always ready to help you.

Protecting Businesses From Flooding In Cities And States

Flooding causes high water levels that can contribute to significant property loss and business interruption. It is understandable that business owners want to understand the preventative measures cities may take to protect their investment. Below is a list of the most common tools used by states and cities to protect their populations.

1. Surge Barriers

Surge barriers may be one of the most common tools utilized to stop flooding. These barriers are usually made from steel and concrete and are built above sea levels. These floodgates are specifically designed to minimize the risk of flooding from surges.

2. Sluices

Sluices are a type of floodgate designed to reduce the risk of flooding during extended storms and rains. These gates operate on a system of pressure activated locks. When storms create high water levels, the increased weight and pressure force the gates to open, draining the water into canals and other designated low-lying areas.

3. Dikes

Dikes are likely the most common form of flood prevention. Dikes are equivalent to ditches and trenches. Either natural or human-made, these channels are below sea-level and are typically routed to other low-lying areas, so that when a flood occurs the water is directed away from populated areas where it can safely drain.

4. Emergency Managers

Beyond the constructed precautions cities take to protect citizens and businesses, most cities have an emergency manager and management office. The purpose of the emergency management team is to provide the population with the appropriate tools and knowledge to survive a disaster. Businesses can acquire a more personalized form of this planning by contacting an emergency and restoration professional in Valley Glen, CA.

High water is an intimidating element of storm season. The risk of property loss and business interruption may make many business owners uncomfortable operating in areas prone to flooding. Fortunately, areas prone to this type of disaster likely take appropriate preventative steps to protect their citizens and businesses from extensive damage.