Disaster Recovery Journal Spring 2024

Adapting to Change: Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Rising Flood Risks By STACI SAINT-PREUX F lood risks are increasing globally and pose a threat to business operations. Between 2018 and 2023, flood damage expenses in the U.S. totaled an estimated $20-$50 billion. The busi ness impacts from flooding can include employee safety, building damage, supply shortages, and more. Preparing for and understanding the flood risks surrounding business locations will reduce the poten tial impact. Why are Flood Risks Rising? The warmer climate is a factor in pro ducing more precipitation and increas ing flood chances. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer the atmosphere is, it can hold 4% more moisture. The extra moisture in the air produces more power ful rainfall, longer duration, and repeated showers. A warming climate also intensifies sea level rise and can increase flood risks in coastal areas. Half of the population in the U.S. lives or works in a coastal area, including critical infrastructure and 58%

of the nation’s gross domestic product. A significant role in how a warmer atmosphere affects flood risks is land use. The addition of more urban landscapes alters the natural drainage systems. New, impervious surfaces such as parking areas and roads compromise natural drainage capacity and reduce soil infiltration. This leads to an increase in pluvial flooding and challenges city drainage infrastruc ture. Population growth aids in the need for new construction of residential and commercial buildings and expansion of urban areas. Inadequate flood mapping also leads to construction in higher-risk areas. How to Mitigate Flood Risks Knowledge and preparation are keys to mitigating flood risks for employers, employees, and assets. Whether it’s from local news or a private weather company contracted for specific locations, safety managers and business continuity profes sionals must be alerted to weather fore casts and put response plans into action as early as possible. It’s necessary to per-

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