Why prioritize

In a water event there are usually more pallets in the path than people and forklifts to move them. Without a plan, effort goes to whatever is closest or most visible, not necessarily what is most vulnerable or valuable. A simple priority table adds a moment of thought before the lifting starts, and gives the team a shared logic they can explain afterward.

The table below is an example. It uses four factors: how vulnerable the goods are to water, how valuable or critical they are, how close water is to them and how easy they are to move safely. Adapt the factors, add your own and rate them in a way that suits your inventory.

Consider the receiving side of the lift just as carefully. A staging area that is too small, poorly lit or blocked by cartons slows everything and adds hazards. Mark the routes with cones or tape, assign someone to direct traffic if several machines are working and keep the staging area away from doors that may be left open. If the dry area is limited, decide in advance which goods leave the building for temporary storage elsewhere, and how they will be tracked while off site.

Scoring factors

Factor
Vulnerability to water
Low
Sealed, non-absorbent
Medium
Cartons on pallets
High
Paper, textiles, electronics
Factor
Value or criticality
Low
Easily replaced
Medium
Moderate
High
Costly or tied to urgent orders
Factor
Proximity to water
Low
Upper tier, far from water
Medium
Near the wet zone
High
Floor level in the water path
Factor
Ease and safety of moving
Low
Hard or unsafe to move
Medium
Needs equipment
High
Easy to lift safely

Rate each factor from low to high and total the results.

Using the table

  1. Mark the zone

    Decide which aisles and bays are at risk or affected.

  2. Walk and rate

    Assign each pallet or group a rating for each factor.

  3. Sort

    Highest total moves first, unless safety dictates otherwise.

  4. Plan the receiving area

    Choose a dry staging area with enough room and clear routes.

  5. Record

    Note what moved, when and where it went.

Terms

Staging area
A dry zone set aside to receive relocated goods.
Vulnerability
How easily water spoils a product or its packaging.
Criticality
How important the goods are to near-term orders or operations.

Before starting the lifts

Common questions

Does the table replace judgment?

No. It structures judgment and makes it easier to explain later.

What if workers are scarce?

Focus on the highest-scoring pallets that can be moved safely and keep records of what remained.

General information for Commerce City, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.