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Home > Resources > Emergency Preparedness > Floods
Floods
Grainger has the products and expertise you need to help you prepare, respond, and recover from all hazards, including floods, and daily disruptions.
Some floods develop slowly, with ample time for preparation, but flash floods often develop in only a few minutes. Flooding has caused more damage in the U.S. than any other severe weather-related event, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In fact, FEMA states "over the past 10 years, the average flood claim has amounted to over $33,000. " Learn more
By having a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan in place that has been tested and trained, you will help minimize loss to your business. Grainger is a business partner you can rely on for help-before, during, and after a disruption to your operations.
Planning for a Flood
A comprehensive emergency plan that has been communicated and tested with your personnel will help minimize loss to your business during a power outage. FEMA, OSHA, and NIOSH have published recommendations on building preparedness plans.
If you are interested in more customized Business Continuity Planning assistance, contact your Grainger representative. One of our regional specialists work with you and your Account Manager.
Preparing for a Flood
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Flood Preparation Tips
- Elevate power components if susceptible to flooding.
- Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent backup.
- Construct barriers to prevent floodwater from entering.
- Seal walls in with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
- Monitor radio or TV for weather emergency information.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if necessary.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if wet or standing in water.
- Do not walk or drive through moving water or flooded areas.
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Responding to a Flood
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Flood Response Tips
- Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for news updates
- Do not return to the flood-zone until local officials declare the area safe.
- Before you enter your facility or home, walk carefully around the outside and look around for loose power lines or structural damage.
- Do not enter the facility if you smell gas or if flood water still surrounds the building.
- If you have any doubts about safety, do not enter until the facility is inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer.
Recovering from a Flood
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Flood Recovery Tips
- Avoid floodwater: it may contain oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
- Floodwater may also be electrically charged.
- Listen for emergency information on a battery-operated radio or television.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.
- Buildings often sustain hidden damage in foundations: enter with extreme caution.
- Disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left by a flood can contain sewage and chemicals.
Quick Tips Technical Resources:
Grainger Services
Grainger provides special emergency services to our customers and their communities.
After-hours Emergencies
When an emergency occurs after business hours, call 1-800-CALL-WWG (1-800-225-5994) and we will open a branch for you. A $50.00 fee may apply.
Emergency Support Teams
When an emergency unfolds, we have a plan in place that quickly mobilizes internal and external resources to assist troubled communities.
Extended Hours and Personnel
During major emergencies, Grainger branches stay open 24 hours (unless curfews are imposed by local authorities). Additional personnel are brought in to take orders, assist customers at the counter, and load trucks. Our Call Centers are able to accept phone orders 24 hours a day.
Essential Product Availability
Within hours of an emergency, trailers containing critical products are dispatched to support the relief effort. Contingency plans with our suppliers allow us to provide additional equipment quickly
Additional Flood Resources
NOAA:
The Ready Rating Program provides an easy, actionable framework to help any organization assess their readiness and build and implement response plans.
Ready When the Time Comes, a corporate volunteer program, taps the human resources of corporate America.
