8 Steps To Prepare Your Business For A Disaster…
Roughly 40% of businesses impacted by a disaster won’t survive because they didn’t have a recovery plan in place.
The stunning wave of problems that arise in the aftermath of a disaster can derail the unprepared. Don’t get caught off guard when it comes to being well prepared for disaster.
Although nobody likes to think about it, disaster can strike—from the devastating aftermath of a destructive tornado to the inconvenience of a burst pipe or hot water heater, disaster can come.
Don’t get caught off guard. Get disaster plan steps in place before disaster strikes…
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1. Take an objective look at your overall risk
Look internally and externally at your risk.
- Common risks—Power outage, human error, and failed technology can all present disasters that put your business at risk.
- Weather-related risks—Storms, tornadoes, and floods are all a possibility when you live in Oklahoma—and businesses need to be prepared.
- Fire—The risk of fire should be planned for no matter your location in the U.S. The devastating effects of smoke damage alone can hit a business card.
2. Evaluate Important daily operations
Make note of all critical aspects.
- Payroll, billing, and service fulfillment constitute critical functions.
- Determine a process for restoring them in case of disaster.
- What equipment and materials are vital to your daily operations?
3. Decide where you can relocate
“Plan B” needs to be in place.
- In order to continue your basic business operations, where can you locate that if your building suffers a disaster?
- Make note of your alternate location such as your home, another branch, or a nearby business vendor, and decide on a plan for recovery.
4. Stay current on backing up your data
Avoid devastating loss of data.
- A daily backup is a good idea to keep your information safe.
- Keep your data offsite so it remains secure if your business experiences a disaster.
- Test your data retrieval capabilities to verify your backup system is working.
- Plan how you would replace vital technology such as computers and printers if they were destroyed.
5. Talk with your vendors
It’s always better to make a disaster plan and not need it than it is to need a plan and not have one.
- Talk through what you would do to continue receiving the materials your business needs after a disaster.
- Develop a relationship with additional vendors in case it is necessary.
6. Store emergency food and water
Get practical things in order.
- It’s wise to keep nonperishable food and bottled water on hand in case of an emergency.
- In addition to food and water, gather the following and have them located in an emergency kit in case of disaster: flashlights, batteries, a radio, cash, passwords, other important documents, and a first aid kit.
7. Admonish your employees to plan
Ask employees to prepare an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones.
- Your greatest asset is your employees. When planning for disasters, if you get everything in place for your building, but not your employees, there’s trouble ahead.
- Work with your employees on their disaster plans so their recovery time from disaster will be minimized.
- Implement a plan for communicating with your employees if disaster strikes.
8. Develop a communication plan in case of disaster
Be sure to communicate the plan in advance, so everyone is aware of it.
- You, your staff, and your vendors should implement a plan for communication in case a disaster causes your phones to stop working.
- Make a hard copy of the email addresses, phone numbers, and if necessary, physical addresses of your staff and vendors. Store it away from your building in case disaster strikes.
Commercial Property Restoration Services
- Storm damage restoration
- Cleaning and contents management
- Insurance claim assistance
- Water damage restoration
- Fire and smoke restoration
- Mold remediation
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