Natural and man-made disasters strike around us every day. The staff at American Restoration Water & Fire, attended a meeting of the Albuquerque Office of Emergency Management and found some very useful safety information that we would like to pass along to you and your business.
First– some alarming data for small business owners! At least 25% of businesses that are impacted by a disaster do not reopen– this is according to the Small Business Administration. Additionally, more than 60% of businesses affected by a man-made or natural disaster close within two years. Staggering statistics! So, what should you be doing?
You should be considering the consequences of each type of hazard. How will an event affect you and your business and how can you mitigate the disruption? Create a disaster preparedness plan. Use an all-hazards approach and include the four phases of disaster recovery: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
- Mitigation seeks to help you fix the cycle of disaster damage by addressing issues that may continue to arise with additional disasters.
- Preparedness addresses evaluating, planning, and taking corrective action against the potential for a disaster. Preparedness also helps you reduce property damage. Consider taking a disaster preparedness class.
- Response includes the steps you will take to immediately address actions to save lives, protect property, and meet basic human needs.
- Recovery is the development and execution of restoration plans. How exactly will you keep in business and move your company along? Remember, too, that local and federal governments may not be in a position to help you immediately… and may actually need your help in some situations.
Develop your plan and practice your plan– and be ready. Check out our other blogs for tips on how to prepare your home or business to withstand weather events, and how to deal with floods and fires. Remember that American Restoration Water & Fire is always here to help.
Copyright: sergieiev / 123RF Stock Photo
