When disaster strikes: Preparation, Response and Recovery

When disaster strikes:
Preparation, Response and Recovery

No business is totally immune from disaster. Every year, businesses temporarily shut down—or close forever—because of a disaster such as a flood, fire or hurricane. Forty percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster and another 25 percent fail within one year, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of a disaster on your business. In addition, carrying adequate insurance coverage can help your business get back on its feet quickly.

Disaster preparation

Households—especially in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes—often prepare for disasters by storing extra supplies, having an evacuation plan, and learning about emergency resources. Businesses similarly want to prepare, with a focus on restoring your operations as soon as possible and minimizing your losses. To prepare adequately for a disaster, take the following steps:

  • Develop a formal written plan—Sometimes called a “Disaster Recovery Plan” or “Business Continuity Plan,” this document should detail how your business will respond to and recover from a disaster, including temporarily relocating your business. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a National Preparedness Standard for developing a plan. Some businesses also develop specific plans to protect and recover their information technology (IT) infrastructure. In today’s era of cloud computing, it is increasingly easier to back up data offsite.
  • Train employees—Share your Disaster Recovery Plan with employees, assign responsibilities, and offer training so that your workforce can help your business recover. You may also want to conduct drills to assess and improve response.
  • Store emergency supplies—Keep flashlights, a first-aid kit and a battery-powered radio on hand at your business. Depending on its location, you may even want to store food, water and blankets. As feasible and needed, consider stocking equipment that can help your business return to operations, such as a generator.
  • Maintain key information offsite—To get your business up and operating again after a disaster, you’ll need to be able to access critical business information. In addition to backing up computer data, keep an offsite list of your insurance policies, banking information and the phone numbers of employees, key customers, vendors and suppliers, your insurance professional and others. You’ll also want to maintain an inventory of your business equipment, supplies and merchandise; you may want to photograph items as well.

Disaster response and recovery

After a disaster, you’ll want to put your Disaster Recovery Plan into action. Read the Insurance Information Institute’s “Best Practices for Filing a Business Insurance Claim,” which details several steps to control damage and recover costs. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, take the following actions as appropriate:

  • Secure your building, boarding up entry points if necessary.
  • Make temporary repairs, especially to minimize further damage, such as placing a tarp over a hole in your roof.
  • Relocate salvageable equipment and property to a safe, protected location.
  • Inspect your property and keep a detailed list of damages; take photos to document damage.
  • Clean up your property, taking care to wear safety gear such as gloves and protective eyewear. If feasible, save damaged property in case it needs to be inspected by your insurance adjuster.
  • Contact your insurance professional and your insurer to begin…

Continue reading this Insurance Information Institute post.

 

 

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