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What
can I do at work?
It
is estimated that 43% of businesses never reopen following
a local disaster, such as a tsunami.
Therefore,
it is important business owners take proactive steps to
protect their business, because they are a vital part
of the community.
The
Small
Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute
for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that
small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes
mitigation activities. These activities are divided into
the following categories:
Links
for additional information are provided at the end
of this page.
Facilities
(Buildings & Equipment)
- Site critical
facilities out of the tsunami inundation zones. If your
building is already located in an inundation zone, then
implement other mitigation measures to ensure the safety
of employees, critical equipment, and important files
and other information.
- Elevate
the main breaker or fuse box above the anticipated flood
level in your home or business, so that floodwater will
not damage your utilities. All electrical wiring and
plumbing should be carried out by a professional contractor
licensed to work in your state. Click
here for more information.
- Add a waterproof
veneer to the exterior walls and seal all openings,
including doors, to prevent the entry of water. Changes
to the foundation of your house must be done by a licensed
contractor, who will en-sure that the work is done correctly
and according to all applicable codes. This is important
for your safety. Click
here for more information.
- Clear Debris
away from your building to prevent large objects from
smashing into the side of your building.
- Install
check valves to prevent water from entering where utility
and sewer lines enter the facility. Large-scale changes
and those that affect the structure of your building
or its electrical wiring and plumbing should be carried
out only by a professional contractor licensed to work
in your state. This is important for your safety. Click
here for more information.
Operations
- 1. Purchase
a backup generator to maintain full operations or critical
functions such as refrigeration, lighting, security
systems, and computer control in the event of a power
failure.
- Have back-up
vendors and shippers in place in case your primary ones
are disabled. Set up relationships in advance and maintain
them.
Critical
Information and Communication
- Make backup
copies of all critical records such as accounting and
employee data, as well as customer lists, production
formulas, and inventory. Keep a backup copy of your
computer's basic operating system, boot files, and critical
software. Store a copy of all vital information on-site
and a second in a safe off-site location. Make it a
critical part of your routine to regularly back up files.
- Make pre-arrangements
with computer vendors to quickly replace damaged vital
hardware. Keep invoices, shipping lists, and other documentation
of your system configuration off-site so you can quickly
order the correct replacement components.
- Surge-protect
all computer and phone equipment through power and phone
lines. Invest in a surge protector that has a battery
backup to assure that systems keep working through blackouts.
- Maintain
an up-to-date copy of phone numbers, computer and Internet
logon codes and passwords, employee phone numbers and
other critical information in an accessible location.
Develop an employee "telephone tree" to rapidly contact
employees in an emergency.
Insurance
- Tsunami
inundation is considered a flooding event by insurers.
No standard building insurance policies contain flooding
coverage. Vehicle flooding is covered by comprehensive
automobile insurance. National
Flood Insurance for buildings and their contents
can be purchased through local companies but must be
procured at least 30 days prior to a flooding event.
- Be aware
of your contents insurance. Does it cover the replacement
cost of critical equipment?
- Consider
business interruption insurance that assists you with
operating needs during a period of shutdown. It may
help you meet payrolls, pay vendors, and purchase inventory
until you are in full operation again. Also be prepared
for the extraordinary costs of a disaster such as leasing
temporary equipment, restoring lost data, and hiring
temporary workers.
- Do not
assume that, just because it never happened before,
it never will.
For
more information you can visit the following websites:
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