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What
can I do at work?
There
are several types of flooding that should be considered
in preparing for flood hazards in Hawaii. Floods can be
associated with stream and channel overflow associated
with heavy rains or a flash flood. Flooding can also occur
with several other hazards such as tsunamis or hurricanes
and wind storms that drive water inland and release heavy
rains.
Businesses
can be greatly impacted by floods. It is estimated 43%
of businesses never reopen following a local disaster,
such as a flood.
Therefore,
it is important business owners take proactive steps to
protect their business, because they are a vital part
of the community.
Condominium
owners and large apartment buildings operate as businesses,
and for the purpose of mitigating actions and flood insurance,
it is important to refer to the actions described in this
section.
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)
- Elevate
the main breaker or fuse box above the anticipated flood
level in your business, so that floodwater won't 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. 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.
Operations
- 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.
- 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
- Purchase
flood insurance to cover the value of your business
and/or its contents. Whether you live in a flood zone
or not, you can purchase flood insurance. If you have
a flood insurance policy, you can be reimbursed for
all your covered losses, even if a disaster is not declared
federally.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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