InBus_Win09_56-96:InBusiness 1-61 11/12/2009 10:51 Page 85
COMMERCIAL PROFILE
Protect your business
from flooding
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Practical advice from leading insurer – RSA Insurance.
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2009 WILL UNFORTUNATELY be If flooding is known to be a possibility, event should also be considered. Larger
remembered for some of the worst flooding preventive measures to stop floodwater include: organisations should incorporate Business
Ireland has seen in decades. For people who Installation of intervening walls or banks; Continuity Management into their everyday
bore the brunt of the flood devastation, the Provision of floodboards and sills to doorway processes and water damage should be one of
impact on their businesses and personal lives openings or gateway openings in walls; the primary scenarios considered.
cannot be underestimated. Images of distraught Blocking up unnecessary openings in the RSA’s Risk Control Team have produced Fact
home and business owners surveying ruined building; Sheets, Risk Control Notes and Guidance
properties and enterprises were screened across Provision of sandbags for emergency use; Booklets on Risk Management topics
all media outlets. Checking for any signs of site drains concerning Risks facing business today. These
“The recent events have demonstrated that overflowing and the periodic inspection and are available free of charge. For further
protecting a business with appropriate insurance cleaning of all drains and gullies both inside information on this or any other related please
must be an absolute essential and a key part of and outside the building; contact the Risk Control Unit in RSA Insurance
business financial planning,” says Nigel Ensuring that basement areas are provided at (01) 290 1123 or talk to your local
Dawkins, Risk Control Manager at RSA with adequate drainage, and if fitted with professional broker today.
Insurance. “We at RSA have produced a sump pumps that they are regularly
detailed ‘Risk Management Guide for Water maintained.
Damage’ for our customers. The aim of the
guide is to highlight ways in which the risk of an RAINFALL AND BUILDING
incident, and the magnitude of any MAINTENANCE
consequential damage, may be reduced.” The fabric of the building must be well
RSA Insurance is the largest property insurer maintained to protect the contents from the
in Ireland insuring 1 in 4 homes in the country elements. All buildings need frequent and
with a significant footprint in the Commercial careful examination to ensure that:
and SME property sector. The unusual rainfall All roof coverings are in good repair;
patterns seen in recent years have caused Roof gutters and downpipes are clean and
flooding problems in areas historically unobstructed;
considered to be at low risk, and both the The water from valley gutters & those behind
frequency and the size of losses has parapet walls which overflow in storm
increased significantly. conditions discharge outside the building.
Nigel Dawkins, Risk Control Manager at
The Risk Management guide sets out various Overflow weirs should be considered if not
RSA Insurance.
recommendations that will help to alleviate the already fitted;
expense and inconvenience that flooding and Internal drainpipes are secure and free from
“THE UNUSUAL
water damage could cause. mechanical or other damage.
RAINFALL PATTERNS
FLOODWATER PROTECTION EMERGENCY PLANS AND
SEEN IN RECENT YEARS
The risk that premises could be affected by REMEDIAL ACTIONS
floodwater needs to be assessed and If precautions to prevent water damage from all HAVE CAUSED FLOODING
appropriate precautions taken. The Office of causes have been carefully considered and
PROBLEMS IN AREAS
Public Works has two websites appropriate measures taken, the risk will be
(www.floodmaps.ie and www.flooding.ie) which greatly reduced, but not eliminated. HISTORICALLY
provide information on areas prone to flooding In all organisations it is essential to make
CONSIDERED TO BE AT
and advice on preparation and steps to emergency plans for such hazards as fire and
minimise the effects of flooding. explosion and preparations for a water damage LOW RISK.”
InBusiness Winter 09 85
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