Seasonal Safety: Preparing for Flooding and Heat-Related Hazards

As summer brings rising temperatures and unpredictable weather, local government organizations should proactively prepare for flooding and heat-related risks that can impact operations, facilities and employee health.

Flood Preparedness
While typical property policies exclude flood coverage, Public Entity Partners automatically includes base-level flood protection under its property and crime policy. Members with a total insured value (TIV) of less than $1 million receive coverage equal to their TIV.

If your organization owns facilities in a high-risk flood category, you should also evaluate whether you need to purchase coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For facilities that are eligible for NFIP flood coverage, PE Partners flood coverage is excess over NFIP available limits.

PE Partners also provides property valuation reports that include flood map data. These reports are updated at least once every four years for properties valued at more than $100,000. You can also review flood maps directly on FEMA’s website.

Flood Risk Best Practices

• Avoid flood-prone areas when acquiring property
• Evaluate facility resilience
• Use temporary barriers and stock disaster supplies
• Elevate electrical systems and utilities
• Disconnect gas and electricity when possible
• Inspect and repair thoroughly after flooding
• Relocate vehicles and equipment ahead of flood events

For questions about your property policy or any of the automatic coverages included, please reach out to our underwriting department.

Heat Safety
Heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, cramps, exhaustion and fainting occur during high temperatures and humidity. Precautions include:

• Acclimating workers gradually
• Wearing light, breathable clothing and hats
• Drinking water consistently
• Avoiding overexertion and taking regular breaks
• Providing ventilated PPE, cooling towels and sunscreen
• Ensuring access to shade and cool water

Organizations should conduct heat safety training, available through EHS Hero and Safety National. For more information about these resources, please contact Iylana Fisher at IFisher@PEpartners.org.