What can I do at work?

It is estimated that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local disaster, such as a hurricane.

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:

• Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
• Operations
• Critical Information & Communications
• Insurance

Links for additional information are provided at the end of this page.

Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)

1. Secure roof coverings to prevent them from blowing off in high winds. Click here for more information.
2. Reinforce masonry and concrete walls to reduce their vulnerability to hurricanes. Click here for more information.
3. Construct building frames with an adequate and continuous load path to hold together in high winds.
4. Have storm shutters available to stand up to wind-borne debris. Click here for more information.
5. Clear Debris away from structures, so they do not become airborne missiles. Check with local officials about tree pruning and clearing. Click here for more information.

Operations

1. Purchase a backup generator to maintain full operations or critical functions in the event of a power failure.
2. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup. Listen for hurricane watches and warnings.
3. 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

1. Make backup copies of all critical records such as accounting employee data, customer lists, production formulas, inventory and critical software.
2. Store a copy of all vital information in a safe off-site location.
3. Make pre-arrangements with computer vendors to quickly replace damaged vital hardware.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Develop an employee "telephone tree" to rapidly contact employees in an emergency.

Insurance

1. Review your current insurance coverage. Is it enough to get your business back in operation?
2. Be aware of your contents insurance. Does it cover the replacement cost of critical equipment?
3. Know what your insurance does not cover. Most general casualty policies do not cover flood damage; it may be a good idea to add this additional coverage.
4. 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.
5. Also be prepared for the extraordinary costs of a disaster such as leasing temporary equipment, restoring lost data, and hiring temporary workers.
6. Don't assume that, just because it never happened before, it never will.

For more information you can visit the following websites:

• Small Business Administration
  
  
• Institute for Business & Home Safety
  
  
• FEMA's Step-by Step Guide to Emergency Management for Business & Industry
  
  
• FEMA's Cost Benefit Analysis of Natural Hazard Mitigation