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: