Oil Spill or Hurricane Season……Are You and Your Business Ready?

An estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. We all remember those horrific images from Katrina and its effect on the Gulf States and now they are being hit hard again with this oil spill. Natural and man made disasters not only effect individuals; they take a high toll on businesses as well. Getting back to business after a disaster may depend on your preparedness and planning done today. Here are some simple steps offered to help you create a disaster plan for your business.

FEMA and www.business.gov are two groups who will offer helpful support with regard to disaster preparedness. Basically, they each assert the importance of having a plan which stresses the following elements:

1.)    Be Informed – know what kinds of emergencies will affect your company

2.)    Continuity Planning – careful assessment of how your company functions, both internally and externally.

3.)    Employee Emergency Training – your employees are your most important asset – applying internal training and structure before an event will ensure proper reaction and better results.

4.)    Emergency Supplies – make sure you have the basics of survival covered – water, food, clean air and warmth.

5.)    Evacuation Scenarios and Plans – deciding when to stay and leave can be the most important decision you can make in light of a pending disaster – preparing both an evacuation plan as well as an internal shelter plan will prove valuable in times of crisis.

6.)    Fire Safety – Always remember that fire is the number one cause of most business disasters – take the obvious necessary steps to prevent such an event – smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and a plan of escape are all crucial, and usually prescribed by local laws.

7.)    Prepare for Medical Emergencies – employee first aid and CPR training, keeping first aid supplies in stock and accessible, gathering information on existing employees medical issues and maintaining proper and accurate emergency contact information are all stressed. Installing a defibrillator in your company is also a good idea.

8.)    Pandemics – get as much information as possible with regard to signs and symptoms from local health management officials and recommended prevention and control, adopt policies designed to isolate sick employees form the group – stay home directives, practice overall good health practices and programs supporting good hygiene – such as hand washing

9.)    Protect your information – using techniques such as back up info. storage structure and off site information storage will help greatly reduce the risk of losing valuable data.

In addition, having a risk assessment audit done on your business is one way to plug the holes before they become giant leaks. The important thing is to follow the old Boy Scout Motto: “Be Prepared”!