PLAN for floods this winter, business leaders in York and North and East Yorkshire are being urged.

The plea, which has gone to firms throughout Yorkshire and the Humber comes from the Environment Agency.

It points out that while many business owners may have wished for a deluge of orders in 2005, a flood of water could be closer to reality for some, as last weekend and the latest rains have proved.

The agency is now launching a comprehensive Online Flood Preparation Guide For Businesses which is aimed at the small to medium-sized firm.

The guide is the agency's first national advice to be targeted solely at businesses.

It aims to provide firms with advice to help them prepare for flooding and what action to take when flood warnings are issued.

The key steps are:

Find out if your business is at risk from flooding

Investigate if flood warnings are available in your area

Plan to protect property and minimise financial risks

Ensure the safety of all staff and visitors.

The guide also includes checklists, top tips and materials to download for use in staff training on flood safety.

Mark Tinnion, regional flood defence manager, said: "Preparing for a flood makes good business sense. Even a relatively minor flood can result in business disruption, staff problems, property damage and sometimes hefty recovery costs.

"A lot of businesses keep their computer servers in the basement. Just imagine the damage that could do if water got into there."

Environment Agency figures show that if you live or work in a flood plain, you are more likely to experience a flood than a fire, yet many businesses have no plans on how to save crucial paperwork or to protect their staff.

Following the autumn 2000 floods, insurers paid out £438 million for commercial weather damage (mainly flood and some storm damage). An extra £79 million was claimed for business interruption.

The Environment Agency's flood preparation guide was welcomed by the owner of a Malton firm which was twice deluged by the River Derwent in 2001.

Paul Tate Smith, of soft drink plant Tate Smith, which successfully fought for flood defences, said: "It's a good idea to put together their experience over the last few years. It is a move I welcome."

He said his firm and others in the vicinity felt more secure now defences were in place. "We keep an eye on the river now, but it is no problem."

The information guide, available at the environment agency's website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk, is part of a wider awareness and education campaign.

Updated: 11:39 Thursday, January 13, 2005