THE ENVIRONMENT Agency has issued hundreds of flood warnings, saying workshops and small businesses around the country are at risk following severe weather.

Pay close attention to local radio, flood line bulletins and advice from authorities

Have a list of useful numbers, including your insurance broker's and insurance company's claims helplines, local authorities, specialist salvage companies, gas and electricity providers and the Environment Agency.

Know the location of your gas, electricity and water supplies so they can be shut off when necessary.

Put important stock and contents (including IT equipment) at a higher level. Ensure data and software is backed up regularly and stored off-site, in a place that is unlikely to be affected by the same event.

Keep all customers and suppliers informed of the situation.

If you have to evacuate the premises, ensure it is left as secure as possible.

Recovery actions following a flood:

Keep details of your machinery and contents so that replacements can be ordered quickly.

Maintain contact lists of estate agencies, builders, contractors, IT specialists and anyone that might help to rebuild your premises or relocate to another building.

Keep all staff, customers and suppliers informed of the situation, by email distribution if there are a large number of people to keep informed.

Maintain a log to note all actions undertaken and expenses incurred. This will help with insurance claims

However a Business Flood Plan can be downloaded from the Environment Agency website at