| Winter's snow can so often bring on major | | | | technical support staff numbers that may be |
| flooding when it thaws too quickly. The snow | | | | needed. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 3. Loss of revenue | | | | ? Store important documents, archives, film, |
| The startling truth is that as many as 25% of | | | | photos and anything else vital to your business in |
| small business do not reopen after a disaster. | | | | safer storing areas, preferably off the ground on |
| That is why it is so important for small business | | | | high shelves in waterproof storage containers. |
| owners to layout a strategic disaster plan that | | | | ? Run basic drills with your employees are |
| includes emergency recovery steps in the event | | | | emergency procedures, including evacuation plans |
| of a flood. | | | | and phone call protocols for getting and receiving |
| All business owners should consider purchasing | | | | information in the event of a flood or other |
| flood insurance for their business, regardless of | | | | emergency. Also include information on alternate |
| where the business is located or its size. Flood | | | | working locations should the office building become |
| insurance policies will not only cover a natural | | | | off-limits. |
| disaster but also broken building pipes or leaking | | | | ? Put together an emergency supply kit and place |
| roofs. The cost up-front could save you a lot of | | | | it in an area easily accessible by all employees. |
| money down the road should water damage | | | | ? Plan your landscaping to properly channel water |
| destroy the business. | | | | away from the building foundation. Clear away |
| Once you have that major protection from flood | | | | debris from drains periodically throughout the year |
| damage in your disaster plan, take the necessary | | | | and keep your eye out for any standing water |
| precautions to ensure you never have to call upon | | | | that may cause long-term problems. |
| that plan. Below are some suggestions as you | | | | With a proper disaster plan, you may not be able |
| develop your disaster management plan. | | | | to completely forestall major water damage but |
| ? Put together a list of important emergency | | | | you can keep it from ruining your business or |
| contacts and their information and place it in TWO | | | | your most important assets. Small business |
| easy to find location. Important contacts should | | | | owners that take the time to prepare a solid |
| include landlord contact information, building | | | | flood disaster plan will be able to spend more time |
| maintenance numbers, utility company numbers, | | | | on the items most important with running their |
| medical and fire service numbers, a business | | | | business. |
| disaster recovery service number and any | | | | |