BUSINESS DISASTER-READY INFORMATION
The small business that suffers damage from a disaster, such as Hurricane Wilma, has a greater chance of returning to pre-disaster operating levels if it prepares in advance. For that reason, business owners should take time now to plan ahead for a disaster, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “A disaster-ready business will be able to recover faster and with less financial loss,” said Scott R. Morris, FEMA’s director of Long-Term Recovery in Florida. “ A quickly recovered business is good for the viability of the local economy and enables employees to return to work as soon as possible.”
Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds. Disaster preparation includes four critical steps. • Reduce the vulnerability of the company’s physical plant by implementing mitigation measures. • Back up the business data, such as sales records, customer lists and tax information, at an off-site location.
• Purchase adequate insurance coverage. Consider business interruption insurance, which would cover lost profits should the business be unable to operate, and flood insurance because standard business policies may not cover damages from flooding.
• Formulate a contingency plan to maintain operations if the company’s location is heavily damaged or destroyed.
“Taking a proactive step towards business preparedness contributes to an expedited economic recovery that re-energizes the surrounding communities,” according to Craig Fugate, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Because local businesses are the backbone of the economy, they are in a unique position to serve as the catalyst of recovery following a disaster.”
Business Readiness Information Available Online Many helpful Web sites can aid businesses in disaster planning and provide useful information about how to prepare and protect a business. At
www.ready.gov, business owners can find recommendations in how to prepare emergency and recovery plans, how to conduct a risk analysis, and measures its implement to lessen damage from disasters. Anyone can download business preparedness brochures, check lists and template for emergency planning.
The Web site for the Institute for Business and Home Safety (
www.ibhs.org) includes a section on protecting against hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires and freezing weather.
The Disaster Contractors Network Web Site (
www.dcnonline.org) connects business owners and home owners with contractors and vendors offering repair and rebuilding services. Business owners can search the site for contractors by category, keyword or geographic location. The Web site offers a multitude of services, including the ability to check if a contractor’s license is valid and current.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s site (
www.sba.gov) contains disaster preparedness tips and a checklist of planning tasks for business owners to consider. The section includes help with some hard questions owners need to ask themselves, such as, “What would we do if our facility were closed for several days, damaged or even totally destroyed?” and “What if my payroll, tax, accounting or production records were destroyed?”
SERT is a collaboration of Florida’s state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impacts. Visit
www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts. FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
2012 Jacksonville Claims Association Resource Guide 139
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