With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, flood risk, building damage and staff safety are real concerns to many facilities across America.
In 2022 alone, the U.S. experienced 10 hurricanes with windspeeds exceeding 111 mph. Texas and Louisiana were among the top three states most impacted by follow-up impacts.
Statistics reveal that 90% of natural disasters involve some kind of flooding. As the severity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, storms and heavy rainfall increases, so does the risk of potential damage to equipment, infrastructure and the surrounding environment. This includes public health impacts, such as the contamination of soil and water resources, as well as exposure to toxic chemicals in nearby communities.
For example, in 2021, Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 storm, causing severe damage to buildings storing trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), resulting in a significant release. Due to the flammable nature of TCCA when exposed to air and moisture, a fire broke out at the facility, resulting in a significant release of chlorine gas into the environment.
Taking a proactive approach: Effective flood risk management
Understanding flood risk is an important step in mitigating the potential impacts of floods on people, infrastructure and the environment. We can identify potential hazards, develop effective mitigation strategies and improve emergency response planning.
Flood risk at chemical facilities is a serious concern that requires proactive management and planning.
Flood risk is determined by a combination of factors, including the likelihood of a flood occurring, the severity of the flood and the vulnerability of people and infrastructure to the flood. Flood risk can be influenced by natural factors such as rainfall patterns, topography and land use, as well as human factors, such as population density, infrastructure development and emergency planning.
Identifying flood risk requires a multidisciplinary team, including expertise in areas such as hydrology, meteorology, geology, engineering and emergency management. By combining these different areas of knowledge, we can create a comprehensive picture of the risk and develop effective strategies for reducing the potential impacts.
Effective flood risk management involves land use planning, infrastructure design, flood protection measures, emergency response planning, public education and awareness. By taking a proactive approach to flood risk management, we can minimize the potential impacts on communities and maintain the safety and well-being of all those affected by natural disasters.
Flood risk at chemical facilities is a serious concern that requires proactive management and planning. By implementing risk management strategies, chemical facilities can help reduce the potential for environmental and public health impacts, as well as protect their facilities and supply chain.
For more information, visit abs-group.com or call (281) 673-2800.
