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Why bother? Disasters don't happen here........ or do they?
Even if you think you are not in a disaster-prone area, something like a chemical tanker truck overturning can prevent you and your employees from getting to your facility. Even if a flood doesn't put your business under water, customers and supplies may not be able to get to you.
Power outages, brown-outs or surges can affect your daily business operations. Many disasters, like wind storms, tornadoes and flash floods, can strike quickly and with little or no warning.
What can I do?
Find out which natural and technological hazards can happen in your area. Get nformation about how to prepare your employees and clients to respond to possible hazards and provide help. Disaster safety information and CPR/First Aid training are available from your local Red Cross chapter. Network with others who have or need to develop risk or contingency management plans. Attend seminars and get information rom local risk management associations or chapters.
Disaster Recovery Begins Before a Disaster
No business should risk operating without a disaster plan. While reports vary, as many as 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster like a flood or tornado. These shuttered businesses were unprepared for a disaster; they had no plan or backup systems.
When you start to develop your disaster plan, consider three subjects: human resources, physical resources and business continuity. Think about how a disaster could affect your employees, customers and workplace. Think about how you could continue doing business if the area around your facility is closed or streets are impassable. Think about what you would need to serve your customers even if your facility is closed.
Start building your plan now.
Here are some suggestions your may want to consider:
 If you have a voice mail system at your office, designate one remote number on which you can record messages for employees. Provide the number to all employees.
Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line(s). Then, if you can't get to the office, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.
If you may not be able to get to your quickly after an emergency, leave keys and alarm code(s) with a trusted employee or friend who is closer.
Install emergency lights that turn on when the power goes out. They are nexpensive and widely available at building supply retailers.
Back up computer data frequently throughout the business day. Keep a backup tape off site.
Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery backup systems. They will add protection for sensitive equipment and help prevent a computer crash if the power goes out.
Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert feature. Keep it on and when he signal sounds, listen for information about severe weather and protective actions to take.
Stock a minimum supply of the goods, materials and equipment you would need for business continuity.
Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business. Remember, most policies do not cover flood damage. Protect valuable property and equipment with special riders. Discuss business continuity insurance with your agent.
Keep emergency supplies handy, including-
 Flashlights with extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Tools.
Food and water for employees and customers to use during a period of unexpected confinement at your business, such as if a tanker truck over-turned nearby and authorities told everyone in the area to stay put for an extended period.
For more information, read about Disaster Supplies .
For more information call (740) 452-2731
or
Email Us
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