| Winter's snow can so often bring on major | | | | recovery service number and any technical |
| flooding when it thaws too quickly. The snow | | | | support staff numbers that may be needed.o |
| melts, waters rise, drains become blocked and | | | | Make photocopies of any important documents |
| hillsides become too saturated and slide. These | | | | related to your business, the building or your |
| simple changes can cause major disasters for | | | | employees and store them off-site. The same |
| small businesses trying to keep things moving | | | | should be done for important computer files.o |
| smoothly forward. | | | | Have a map of the office building and indicate |
| Flooding and other disasters can cost business | | | | where the electricity shut off system, and water |
| owners money in three ways: | | | | valves are located. Indicate any other key pieces |
| 1. Cost of repairing damages to the business | | | | of equipment that may need special care in case |
| 2. Cost of replacing products | | | | of water damage.o Store important documents, |
| 3. Lost of revenue | | | | archives, film, photos and anything else vital to |
| The startling truth is that as many as 25% of | | | | your business in safer storing areas, preferably |
| small business do not reopen after a disaster. | | | | off the ground on high shelves in waterproof |
| That is why it is so important for small business | | | | storage containers.o Run basic drills with your |
| owners to layout a strategic disaster plan that | | | | employees are emergency procedures, including |
| includes emergency recovery steps in the event | | | | evacuation plans and phone call protocols for |
| of a flood. | | | | getting and receiving information in the event of a |
| All business owners should consider purchasing | | | | flood or other emergency. Also include information |
| flood insurance for their business, regardless of | | | | on alternate working locations should the office |
| where the business is located or its size. Flood | | | | building become off-limits.o Put together an |
| insurance policies will not only cover a natural | | | | emergency supply kit and place it in an area easily |
| disaster but also broken building pipes or leaking | | | | accessible by all employees.o Plan your landscaping |
| roofs. The cost up-front could save you a lot of | | | | to properly channel water away from the building |
| money down the road should water damage | | | | foundation. Clear away debris from drains |
| destroy the business. | | | | periodically throughout the year and keep your |
| Once you have that major protection from flood | | | | eye out for any standing water that may cause |
| damage in your disaster plan, take the necessary | | | | long-term problems. |
| precautions to ensure you never have to call upon | | | | With a proper disaster plan, you may not be able |
| that plan. Below are some suggestions as you | | | | to completely forestall major water damage but |
| develop your disaster management plan.o Put | | | | you can keep it from ruining your business or |
| together a list of important emergency contacts | | | | your most important assets. Small business |
| and their information and place it in TWO easy to | | | | owners that take the time to prepare a solid |
| find location. Important contacts should include | | | | flood disaster plan will be able to spend more time |
| landlord contact information, building maintenance | | | | on the items most important with running their |
| numbers, utility company numbers, medical and | | | | business. |
| fire service numbers, a business disaster | | | | |