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)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Clear Debris away from your building to prevent large objects from smashing into the side of your building.
5. 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.
2. 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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. Be aware of your contents insurance. Does it cover the replacement cost of critical equipment?
3. 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.
4. Do not 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