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What
can I do at work?
It
is estimates that 43% of businesses never reopen following
a local disaster, such as a hurricane. It is important
that 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)
- Install
a fire resistant roof if you are in a wildfire-prone
areas. This is something that most business owners would
probably hire a contractor to do. Contact your county
building department for information on obtaining a permit.
Click
here for more information.
- Clear
the area around your business. Shrubs, brush, woodpiles,
and combustible debris should be removed within a radius
of 30 feet at the base around your business to give
firefighters a fighting chance against fire. Fire needs
fuel to burn. Click
here for additional information.
- Clean
roof and gutters regularly to prevent accumulation
of leaves that may cause a fire hazard.
- Consider
installing a sprinkler system, fire hoses and fire-resistant
walls and doors.
Operations
- Establish
procedures for the safe handling and storage of flammable
liquids and gases.
- Establish
procedures to prevent the accumulation of combustible
materials.
- Provide
for the safe disposal of smoking material.
- Identify
and mark all utility shutoffs so that electrical power,
gas or water can be shut off quickly by fire wardens
or responding personnel.
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.
- 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
- Review
your current insurance coverage. Is it enough to get
your business back in operation?
- Be aware
of your contents insurance. Does it cover the replacement
cost of critical equipment?
- Know what
your insurance does not cover. Most general casualty
policies do not cover flood damage. Many require additional
riders for windstorm, sewer backup, or earth movement.
Consider adding coverage for likely perils, especially
flood insurance.
- 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.
- Don't assume
that, just because it never happened before, it never
will.
For
more information you can visit the following websites:
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