May 26, 2021
Louisiana, while loved for its warm summers and swampy waters, is continuously prone to flooding during hurricane season. With the ensuing climate crisis, it is likely that flooding will increase in both severity and frequency over time. This year alone, New Orleans has faced $168M in flood damages and $623M in the last three decades. The cost of damages due to flooding and recovery can be overwhelming, but certain measures can be taken to ease them. Aside from obtaining flood insurance, the City of New Orleans recommends a handful of precautions for businesses to take when bracing for emergency events:
Gather information about hazards and assess risks
Conduct a business impact analysis (BIA)
Write a preparedness plan addressing:
Resource management
Emergency response
Crisis communications
Business continuity
Information technology
Employee assistance
Incident management
Training
There are even ways to reduce flood risk on your property by installing the following green infrastructure:
Rain garden
Detention basin/dry pond
Stormwater planter box
Infiltration trench
Pervious pavement
Rain barrel
Trees
Sources:
https://ready.nola.gov/plan/business-owners/
https://ready.nola.gov/green-infrastructure/
https://floodfactor.com/city/new-orleans-louisiana/2255000_fsid