News

How restaurants can prep for flooding as spring rains approach

March 20, 2019

After flooding in the Midwest and in anticipation of what will likely be more flooding this spring when annual rains fall, food safety firm, Steritech released a number of guidelines on how restaurant brands can prepare for flooding situations that may leave their stock awash in flood water or trigger other operational problems. 

In a news release, the company reminded restaurant brands that not only can floodwater damage records, equipment and food inventory, but they can also inflict serious restaurant structural damage. Their guidelines are designed to help operators prepare for floods, assess the possibilities of reopening and execute recovery activities, though the company said local health authority instructions take precedence over Steritech's guidelines.

Flood preparation includes: 

• Remove or elevate vital records, equipment and food to protect from water damage.
• Protect any openings with sandbags at doors.
• Post a temporarily closed sign on door. Regional or corporate offices can often help with wording.
• Secure all cash.
• Ensure all refrigerated units have accurate thermometers and if possible, continue monitoring them during the flooding.
• Turn off electrical equipment and/or natural gas lines.
• Lock doors and set alarms. 
• Follow local evacuation procedures for employees and guests.