Disaster and Severe Weather Preparedness: Are You Ready?

Disaster and Severe Weather Preparedness: Are You Ready?

 

Could your business function if you woke up tomorrow and your computer and paper files were all gone? I probably only know one customer who could.

Disaster can happen to any business.  Weather, theft, fire and malicious acts happen anywhere and everywhere.  According to the Prepare My Business. ORG 40 to 60% of businesses don’t reopen following a disaster.

Do you have a disaster plan? Do you even have a foul weather procedure?  If you don’t then now is the time.

  • Back up your computers OFF SITE.  It doesn’t do you any good if the external hard drive you have everything backed up to is on you desk next to the computer when disaster strikes.  Sites like http://www.carbonite.com/en/ will help you keep your data safe and secure.  You can even set up auto backups with them.  For $59 a year you can take care of this really important step to protecting your company.  How much would it cost you to replace your computer data?  I bet it would cost more than $60.
  • Evaluate your critical vendors.  If you host your network offsite to start make sure they have a proper data back up plan.  Don’t find out after the fact that your host backs up on site but when their facility got hit by that tornado they lost everything.
  • Ideally you have paper files stored as digital documents and don’t have to worry about loss of paper files.  Many small business don’t.  Try at least scanning your most important documents such as legal docs, incorporation paperwork, tax returns etc.  Make sure they are stored on your cloud server or on a computer with an off site back up system.
  • Keep a list of staff with current contact information someplace other than your office computer.  Either a printed list or contacts in your phone will do.  You may need to rally the troops, check on their welfare or even just reach out for a supportive chat when your t.v. isn’t working due to a solid week of no electricity, but really you’ll probably need them to get things back on track.
  • Do you have your insurance agents contact info?  You may need it after a storm.  Have it handy.
  • Make sure your insurances are up to date, in force, and have ample coverage.  It would be a sad day if that business liability insurance didn’t have enough content coverage to replace your office and get you back up and running.  Does your insurance provide income replacement coverage if your doors are closed?  Would you have the cash flow to sustain being out of business for a week? month? year?
  • Does you business have a severe weather procedure?  Simple things like unplugging electronics to prevent power surge damage, securing doors and windows, taking down loose signs and awnings, securing loose items such as trash cans and outdoor items and making sure drainage around your building is clear can all save you money in the event of severe weather.
  • Have an office policy about weather closures.  When do you close?  Who must report even during a storm? Do you pay for days where you are closed due to weather (some states may require that you do)?

Preparemybusiness.org has a great set of preparedness tests and check lists. Here are a few.

Risk Assessment Worksheet

Vendor Assessment Worksheet

Earthquake Preparedness Worksheet

Hurricane Preparedness Worksheet

Critical Business Function Worksheet

Winter Weather Preparedness Worksheet

Unique Supply Worksheet

Emergency Communications Worksheet

Tornado Preparedness Worksheet

 

 

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