WASHINGTON — The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and Agility Recovery Solutions are launching the Prepare My Business website, an interactive website designed to help small businesses develop an emergency preparedness plan before disaster hits.Recovery Solutions has provided business-continuity and disaster-recovery tools to small companies for 21 years.“Regardless of where you live, it’s a good idea to be ready for any kind of crisis,” says SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Every threat, from wind storms, floods, wildfires and earthquakes, to power outages and computer system failures, reminds us to be proactive when it comes to building strategies to survive a disaster and recover quickly. Recent disaster events demonstrate the need for preparedness to reduce the risk to life and property. It is critical that small businesses have a written disaster preparedness plan in place so that they are ready to deal with the challenges that often come without notice, and get their businesses back up and running” says Mills.A disaster preparedness plan should include:
- A written emergency response planFind evacuation routes and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand. Keep emergency phone numbers handy. Business owners should designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors.
- Adequate insuranceDisaster preparedness begins with having adequate insurance coverage, at least enough to rebuild your business. Business owners should review their policies to see what is not covered. Businesses should consider “business interruption insurance,” which helps cover operating costs during the post-disaster shutdown period. Flood insurance is essential.
- Copies of important recordsIt’s a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store those items at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents should be kept in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.
- A disaster survival kitThe kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, nonperishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a disposable camera to take pictures of the property damage.
For more preparedness tips for businesses, visit SBA online. To learn more about developing an emergency plan, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].