Five low-cost ways to limit flood impact on your business

You don't need a big budget to start making your business more flood-resilient. Many measures are operational: small changes to how you organise your premises, your stock, your systems and your communications.

You can save a lot of money and disruption by carrying out simple, low-cost or low-effort tasks. We have created five actions any business can take this month, without specialist knowledge, to reduce risk, keep your business running, and protect cash flow in the event of a flood.

Power outages are common during flood events. Spend half an hour mapping which systems you can't operate without – usually the EFTPOS terminal, internet, phones and computers. Once you know what's critical, put low-cost backups in place: portable battery packs for phones and laptops, a mobile EFTPOS terminal on cellular or Stripe payments, and a printed contact list for your team and key customers. The goal isn't to run normally; it's to keep the business moving while waiting for the power to come back on.

Ground-level stock, equipment and records are consistently among the most preventable losses in any flood event. Raising critical items – onto shelving, a higher floor, a back room away from entry points or an off-site location entirely – can prevent loss and help you stay operational through a flood event. Take a walk around your premises and have a look at what's sitting on the floor that could be lifted or relocated: stock, servers, printers, filing cabinets, spare inventory. Most of it can be repositioned in an afternoon.

Auckland Council identifies blocked drainage as one of the most common preventable causes of flood damage. Gutters, downpipes and site surface drains should be cleared before each storm season and checked after any significant weather event. Make a note to check them at least twice a year. If you lease, discuss who is responsible for what with your landlord, and keep a note whenever you spot a problem, just in case.

Most SME owners carry emergency and operating plans in their head. Write it down as a one-page summary covering both the event itself and the weeks that follow: who decides to close; who contacts staff, customers and suppliers; where critical information is stored; and how the team will keep working if the premises are out of action for a week or three. Share your plans with your team, so they know what to do in the case of a sudden event and how to keep the business running.

Have a chat with your two or three most critical suppliers about how they would keep things moving if their premises were affected by a flood. It's a useful conversation to have, as it shows you're thinking ahead, and their answers will tell you who's already considered resilience and who hasn't. While you're at it, have the same conversation with one or two potential backup suppliers so you've got someone to call if your primary supplier goes down. Having good relationships can be critical to smooth operations, or not, during disruptions.

You can start simply. Take one action this week, then build from there. These small steps will strengthen your business's flood resilience and help reduce disruption. It's a practical way to build confidence over time.

For a full preparedness framework, see our six-part guide: Reducing flood disruption: A guide for businesses.

Disclaimer: While care has been taken to ensure accuracy of this information, no guarantee is provided regarding the suitability, accuracy, results, or outcomes of the information discussed. Auckland Council accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from reliance on the information. The material presented is for general information and guidance purposes only, and does not constitute professional or technical advice, or create a duty of care or advisory relationship between Auckland Council and you. You should seek independent professional, technical, or legal advice before making decisions or implementing strategies.