So I have covered many of the different types of natural disasters, and the effects on business small and large. Last week I began to look into prevention to structure damage, but not to an overall disaster plan for businesses. Companies all over the country must be realistic that a hurricane, flood, tornado, blizzard, earthquake or wildfire will affect them at some point in the future. Insurance will cover some of the damage, but how can a business make it cost effective to plan ahead to prevent damage, loss of life, and prevention of lost revenue when a natural disaster is headed your way?
There are companies that are availaible to help create a disaster preparendness plan for businesses of all sizes. I found a few comapnies online such as Preparis http://www.preparis.com/ that specialize in coming into a business and developing a plan to minimize the effects of a natural disaster to the business and prevent financial loss.
More information is available to businesses who want to make a diasater plan on thier own at http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/sampleplan.pdf. This website provides a form that can be safe guarded and provided to managers or owners of a business so that when something happens they know exactly what procedure tom follow.
There is even a blog devoted to particularly to thuis topic at http://www.disasterpreparednessblog.com/. Here people can share information and tips on how to prepare. This is especially helpful for small businesses of sole proprietorships who may not be able to afford the services of a specialist in risk assessment and disaster prevention.
Any kind of natural diaster can be devastating, but good preparation can save a lives, money, and hassles. Of course, if disaster strikes, there is help out there from government agencies. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers help to businesses who suffered from disasters. They also provide planning guides and tips at their website http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/disasterpreparedness/index.html
In closing this blog, I would like to remind everyone that mother nature is not predictable. Every place in the United States has a threat of some kind of natural disaster. Don't think you will be the one who won't be affected. Be prepared whether you are a business owner, or just a regular Joe. Stay safe.
Disclaimer:
This blog is prepared by a paralegal student as a class project, without compensation. The content of this blog may contain opinions, and is offered for personal interest without warranty of any kind. Comments posted by others on this blog are the responsibility of the posters of those messages. The reader is solely responsible for verifying the content of this blog and any linked information. Content, sources, information, and links will most likely change over time. The content of this blog may not be construed as legal, medical, business, or personal advice.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Business of Hurricanes
So when you think hurricane, business is not what comes to mind. I think of the big swirly mass heading towards Florida on the national news weather. I think of the devastation of the last huge hurricane disaster: Hurricane Katrina. I never consider the people who are working to make structures stronger to resist the hurricane winds, or the factories producing aluminum pool enclosures and hurricane shutters. However, this week I would like to acknowledge that aspect of business and natural disasters.
To an Ohioan like myself a hurricane shutter means very little. In South Florida, it th ey have become permanent, and removable, fixtures on most homes. This simple addition provides protection to windows and doors from the dangerous and deadly winds produced by hurricanes.
Production, sale,and installation of these shutters is a profitable business in hurricane prone areas. Small business and corporations are both in the business of hurricanes and prevention. In addition, insurance companies get a hand in the action by offering discounts for fixtures such as these that prevent damage when the storm comes. For a list of different types of hurricane shutters and descriptions go to: http://www.sunsentinel.com/news/broward/sfl-hc-shutterguide,0,4823608.htmlstory
In my research I came across the "HurriQuake" nail, produced by Bostitch. This new type of roofing nail claims to withstand winds up to 160 m.p.h. The cost is higher than traditional nails, but the benefits in structural security could outweigh the costs in the long run. This product innovation is an excellent example of how companies are looking to improve the traditional and come up with new ways to build things better to withstand natural disasters.
Though this only scratches the surface of business behind hurricane proof buildings, the concept is one that will always be needed as long people live in hurricane prone areas. It takes businesses, large and small, to make structures safer and less prone to destruction when mother nature comes knocking.
To an Ohioan like myself a hurricane shutter means very little. In South Florida, it th ey have become permanent, and removable, fixtures on most homes. This simple addition provides protection to windows and doors from the dangerous and deadly winds produced by hurricanes.
Production, sale,and installation of these shutters is a profitable business in hurricane prone areas. Small business and corporations are both in the business of hurricanes and prevention. In addition, insurance companies get a hand in the action by offering discounts for fixtures such as these that prevent damage when the storm comes. For a list of different types of hurricane shutters and descriptions go to: http://www.sunsentinel.com/news/broward/sfl-hc-shutterguide,0,4823608.htmlstory
In my research I came across the "HurriQuake" nail, produced by Bostitch. This new type of roofing nail claims to withstand winds up to 160 m.p.h. The cost is higher than traditional nails, but the benefits in structural security could outweigh the costs in the long run. This product innovation is an excellent example of how companies are looking to improve the traditional and come up with new ways to build things better to withstand natural disasters.
Though this only scratches the surface of business behind hurricane proof buildings, the concept is one that will always be needed as long people live in hurricane prone areas. It takes businesses, large and small, to make structures safer and less prone to destruction when mother nature comes knocking.
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| Metal Hurricane Shudder |
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| Patent drawing for Bostitch HurriQuake Nail |
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