» Your Business Why You Need a
Disaster Recovery Plan 2. Brainstorm now ideas for reloca-
tion. Are there local venues where you could temporarily relocate your busi- ness? Perhaps a community centre or school. This could be a reciprocal ar- rangement between your two organi- zations. Could you use a park or a rec- reational area to carry out classes or training?
3. Communicate with your mem-
bers, your staff and your suppliers as soon as possible, via telephone, email, text and/or social media (using contact info that you backed up and stored offsite). Include the measures you are taking to maintain services. A clear and positive communication strategy is vital because gossip travels quickly when a business closes for even a short period.
Approximately 44 percent of businesses fail to re- open aſter a fire due to the high costs associated with fire damage (source: Aviva Canada).
Secure your club’s future by preparing today for a fire and other potential disasters BY PAUL CONWAY
ness can be devastating from a human injury perspective but also in terms of the business reopening. As a club owner or manager you have a respon- sibility to protect your employees and your members. In the event of a fire, one crucial is-
T
sue to consider is the continuity of the business— that is, keeping it running and maintaining your members. If this isn’t attended to immediately, your members will quickly find alternative places to exercise, most likely at your
44 Fitness Business Canada November/December 2015
he speed at which a fire can develop and the damage that it can cause should never be taken lightly. Fire in any busi-
closest competitors around the corner and down the road. It is important to plan now because,
in the unhappy event of a fire, you will find much of your time consumed with the fire investigation process.
Consider these four steps to help keep your business running:
1. Back up all of your data every day
and safely store it offsite. Your insur- ance company will need to see your as- set register (e.g., a list of all equipment, furniture and fittings) so it can put a value on the claim (your accountant may also have this information).
4. Celebrate your reopening once
you’re ready to open the doors again. Make the event a party or a grand re- opening. At this same time, be sure to address the fire issue. You will need to convince your members that another fire will never happen and communi- cate the steps you have taken to en- sure their future safety.
5. Connect with your insurance
company, advises April Pittendreigh, claims manager at Stevenson and Hunt Insurance Brokers Limited, for as- sistance in creating a disaster recov- ery plan. Your insurer may also refer you to a restoration company, some of which will tour your club and assist you with your plan at no cost. FBC
Paul Conway is a fitness industry veteran of 30 years. He runs his own fitness club, and is a consultant, author and a fitness safety expert. Contact him at
pconway9999@aol.com.
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