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.
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I wish more people thought like you! Natural disasters are unpredictable you are right. It is never a matter of if, it is always a question of when. Having lived through a tornado in a part of the country that never gets them, I vowed never to be unprepared again. I got lucky once, but I may not the second time. We have an emergency plan at home and I feel safe knowing my son practices emergency plans at school and at day care. I also feel secure at work as my employer has a disaster plan for all employees that we actively practice as well. Lots of people grumble about how lame it is, but they'll be the people panicing WHEN one hits and they cannot remember what to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing this topic up, it is very imporant and near and dear to my heart. I hope others will heed your warning.