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: