Is Your Business Storm-Proof?
By Terry M. Blair
The devastation of Hurricane Katrina was a stark reminder of our vulnerability. Although nothing can be done to ward off natural disasters, you can take steps to weather the storm, figuratively and literally.
Many startup businesses don’t give a thought to disaster preparedness. But you should. Here are some tips to help you stay afloat amid unavoidable eventualities.
1. Location, location, location
As Katrina demonstrated, it’s not wise to build below sea level if you are near the coast. Similarly, Californians every year watch buildings slide down hillsides after heavy rains, yet they continue building in such hazardous locales. A rule of thumb is not to locate in an area known to be vulnerable to natural disasters. Avoid flood planes, well-worn tornado alleys, eroding coastlines, coastal dunes, unstable hillsides, barrier islands and other vulnerable spots. Move valuables out of the basement if it is prone to flooding to keep them dry and safe. Move the main electrical breaker or fuse box and utility meters above the likely flood level in your home office or business.
2. Protection preparation
Buy appropriate insurance – Coverage for flood damage, for example, typically isn’t provided in generic insurance policies. Some homeowner and business policies exempt other “acts of God” from coverage. You’ll probably pay extra for particular coverage like flood insurance, but it’s cheap compared to replacing everything out of pocket. Use a computer UL-listed backup system regularly to safeguard data. Always keep an archive copy off-site. UL-listed surge protectors protect sensitive equipment and even prevent computer crashes during power failures. Create a map or diagram showing all utility shutoffs, water hydrants, water and gas main valves, water and gas lines, electrical cutoffs, alarms, fire extinguishers and a reminder of your designated escape route. Avoid panic and confusion with a list of high-value items ranked in the order of importance in the event you must evacuate, but still have time to remove belongings, such as business records, equipment, etc. Bolt or strap bookcases and tabletop equipment to the wall, always keeping heaviest objects on lower shelves. Strap the water heater to a wall with bands of perforated steel. Install inexpensive emergency lights that turn on when power fails. They’re available at building supply retailers. If you are in hurricane or tornado country, install and maintain storm shutters to shield exposed windows against high winds and flying debris. If wildfires are a threat, move landscaping away from the building. Replace wood or standard roof shingles with flame-retardant shingles.
3. Disaster checklist
Have these items on hand and in a place they easily can be retrieved.
4. More tips
Don’t forget to make a paper list of contact numbers for emergency agencies, employees and relatives. Phone numbers kept only in your computer are useless in a power outage.
Keep alarm security codes and extra keys off-site where you can retrieve them.
Finally, designate a remote number to record messages for clients, suppliers, employees and family on your voice mail system, and of course make that emergency message number available in advance of a disaster.
(Posted October 2005)
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