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:
Links
for additional information are provided at the end of this
page.
Facilities
(Buildings & Equipment)
- Secure roof coverings
to prevent them from blowing off in high winds. Click
here for more information.
- Reinforce masonry
and concrete walls to reduce their vulnerability to hurricanes.
Click
here for more information.
- Construct building
frames with an adequate and continuous load path to hold together
in high winds.
- Have storm shutters
available to stand up to wind-borne debris. Click
here for more information.
- 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
- Purchase a backup
generator to maintain full operations or critical functions
in the event of a power failure.
- Purchase a NOAA
Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup.
Listen for hurricane watches and warnings.
- 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 employee data,
customer lists, production formulas, inventory and critical
software.
- Store a copy
of all vital information in a safe off-site location.
- Make pre-arrangements
with computer vendors to quickly replace damaged vital hardware.
- 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
- 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; it may be a good idea to add this
additional coverage.
- 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: