As UK manufacturers face another period of unsettled weather, the threat of flooding looms large. Pete Zorgenlos, Head of Product Development at New Pig, discusses practical steps businesses can take to avoid potentially devastating disruption.
It would seem the summer season is officially over, and as large parts of Britain prepare for a 580-mile wall of rain heading towards our shores, many manufacturers are already concerned about flooding and water damage.
It’s no wonder, especially when you consider the financial and operational impact. According to industry data, the average flood incident costs UK manufacturers around £82,000 and can lead small businesses to face up to 50 days of downtime – a major hit that already financially squeezed businesses simply cannot afford.
Even a few inches of water can cause serious disruption to operations. The good news is that many of the risks are manageable with the right planning. Simple steps such as clearing drains, installing temporary barriers and keeping a response kit on site can make all the difference, as Zorgenlos explains.
Don’t wait for disaster to come flooding in
One of the most effective preventative measures is to keep drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris so rainwater can flow freely, reducing the chance of water backing up and flooding the site.
Entry points such as doors and roller shutters are another common weak spot. Temporary barriers, absorbent socks or modern water-activated flood bags can provide a fast and reliable seal, without the mess of traditional sandbags. Absorbent mats and strips are also useful to have on hand, particularly for internal thresholds, where they can quickly soak up water ingress and protect high-value areas.
“For sites at greater risk, more robust defences may be required,” says Zorgenlos. “Modular or water-filled flood barriers can be deployed quickly, reused multiple times and provide a stronger line of protection than sandbags.” At the same time, drain covers or plugs should be fitted before heavy rain to prevent polluted floodwater from entering the drainage system or sewage from backing up into premises.
Roofs can be another hidden source of problems. High winds and prolonged rainfall often expose weak spots, and while buckets placed under leaks create slip hazards, leak diverters are a safer and more effective way to channel water away from sensitive areas.
Protecting critical assets is also essential. By moving stock, documents and electrical equipment onto pallets or shelves, even a few inches above floor level, businesses can avoid costly replacements if water does get inside. Where this isn’t possible, more robust solutions may be required. Flood fence systems, for example, offer a lightweight, quick-to-deploy diversionary option that can be set up rapidly by one person – ideal for protection against flash flooding or heavy rainfall.
The saying goes that prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to flood preparedness, it’s never been more relevant. “A fast, organised response often makes the difference between a quick clean-up and prolonged downtime,” says Zorgenlos. “Having a complete flood response kit on site – with absorbents, barriers, drain covers, leak diverters and PPE – ensures teams can act immediately when water threatens.”
Building resilience for the long term
While extreme weather events cannot be prevented, manufacturers can take meaningful steps to reduce the impact. Flood preparedness is not just about crisis management – it’s about safeguarding productivity, supply chains and long-term resilience.
“Storm damage isn’t always preventable, but the impact can be reduced,” Zorgenlos concludes. “A few minutes of preparation now can save days of clean-up later. For manufacturers, that preparation can mean the difference between minor disruption and major downtime.”
To find out more about flood resilience, visit: https://www.newpig.co.uk/flood-control/c/7048
Read other recent news: https://industrial-compliance.co.uk/category/news/
