Businesses, Property Owners, and Residential Buildings: How to Protect Yourself Against Flooding

Identifying and Monitoring Risks

The first step is to identify the risks your property or business faces using the following tools :

• Géorisques.gouv.fr ou reperesdecrues.developpement-durable.gouv.fr : National databases with maps and historical data based on addresses or GPS coordinates.
• The DREAL (Regional Directorate for Environment, Planning, and Housing) website for your region, providing information on natural hazards and local policies.
• Vigicrues.gouv.fr : Real-time flood risk alerts and potential flood zones.

Vulnerability Assessment

A vulnerability assessment (also called a mitigation diagnosis) helps determine your exposure to climate-related hazards and plan targeted measures to minimize risks.
You can hire a professional assessor or use self-assessment tools available on the DRIEAT website. Financial aid may cover the assessment and even part of recommended mitigation work under certain conditions.

Note : This assessment is mandatory for public facilities and property owners in high-risk zones as defined by the Flood Risk Prevention Plan (PPRI).

Reducing Vulnerability

The assessment will help identify tailored solutions that comply with regulations and mitigate risks effectively.

Solutions to Minimize Flood Risk

• Install flood barriers.
• Implement rainwater infiltration systems (e.g., vegetated swales—shallow, wide ditches that control water flow and promote drainage).
• Equip basements with submersible pumps connected to a secure power source.
• Install backflow valves in sewage systems.
• Implement a system to temporarily seal lower ventilation openings during flood warnings.
• Use permeable surfaces for parking lots and outdoor areas.

Mitigating Flood Consequences

• Elevate storage and production equipment.
• Secure electrical circuits by isolating flood-prone areas and placing outlets and devices at higher levels.
• Install water detection sensors (e.g., in elevator shafts).
• Anchor containers holding hazardous materials.

Flood Risk: Fight or Adapt?

When water levels exceed 1 meter, preventing water ingress becomes ineffective—openings may fail under pressure, risking structural damage. In such cases, building resilience is essential:

• Material selection
• Elevating critical infrastructure
• Reinforcing structures
• Integrating flood risk into Business Continuity Plans (BCP

Experts predict a 38% increase in flood-related damages due to climate change and evolving insured risks. While not a new threat, its growing frequency and intensity—even in previously low-risk areas—make it a top priority for monitoring and mitigation.

Insurance and Public Sector Initiatives

Insurers and authorities are actively supporting flood risk management by providing guidelines, tools, and financial aid to help individuals, businesses, and organizations take action.
The goal is clear : strengthen resilience.

Insurers are expected to tighten requirements for risk prevention and protection measures in policy underwriting.

As your dedicated insurance broker, we are here to advise and support you. Anticipating and preventing risks means securing the means to protect your future!