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
- 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.
- 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: