01 / THE BLUEPRINT
The problem to investigate
Floodwater can destroy stored products, records and electrical equipment in vulnerable market areas. Merchants may not know which steps are safe, affordable and worth taking before the rainy season.
02 / THE BLUEPRINT
A possible solution
With local disaster-risk and qualified building partners, provide a voluntary site-readiness assessment, stock-move plan, approved shelf or container options, and post-event recovery contacts. Never certify that a stall is flood-proof.
03 / THE BLUEPRINT
Start without an app
Start with a paper emergency contact and stock-record kit from an existing traders' association, using official local hazard guidance.
04 / THE BLUEPRINT
Technology that could help
A low-data checklist can track authorised inspections, dates and owner-approved actions; do not publish customers' stock values, location vulnerabilities or personal emergency contact details.
05 / THE BLUEPRINT
Your first experiment
- Consult local authorities on actual flood and evacuation guidance.
- Interview ten merchants about losses and past workable responses.
- Work with a competent builder to demonstrate one non-structural storage improvement.
- Pilot a documented seasonal readiness service and ask merchants whether they will renew.
06 / THE BLUEPRINT
People, resources and cost drivers
Customers: traders and their associations. Resources: qualified risk advisers, safe storage products, local hazard knowledge, insurance and accessible communication. Revenue: per-stall assessment or association maintenance contract.
07 / THE BLUEPRINT
What to validate — and when to stop
Validate that recommended measures are allowed and affordable and produce practical preparedness improvements; avoid claiming prevented losses from a season without severe flooding.
08 / HYPOTHESIS TO TEST
Potential impact and how to measure it
Track safe preparedness steps completed, recovery contact usefulness, protected record availability and customer satisfaction; compare disaster losses carefully.
09 / THE BLUEPRINT
Risks and safeguards
Unsafe electrical work, structural damage, false evacuation advice and exaggerated guarantees are severe risks. Official warnings always take precedence.
10 / THE BLUEPRINT
Who might pay or maintain it
Seasonal membership fees can fund periodic rechecks, with a clear low-cost version and no pressure to purchase proprietary equipment.