BBB advises preparing for unknown disasters

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The Better Business Bureau warns business owners that it is important to have a plan in place if disaster strikes. According to a BBB news release, a facility substantially damaged will be effectively shut down. The BBB advises owners to 1) think about how a disaster can affect employees, customers and the workplace; 2) think about how they can continue to do business if the areas around their facilities are closed or streets are impassable; and 3) think about what they would need to serve customers, even if their facilities are closed.|ret||ret||tab|

The BBB urges businesses to consider the following in light of potential disaster:|ret||ret||tab|

Develop business interruption plans and implement mitigation measures to minimize loss of jobs and business activity. Identify staff who would be essential to business resumption efforts and keep an up-to-date list of their names and phone numbers. Be sure all employees know where to go and what to do when disaster strikes.|ret||ret||tab|

Keep emergency supplies handy, including flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, and food and water for employees and customers to use during a period of unexpected confinement.|ret||ret||tab|

Line up alternate vendors for essential supplies and equipment. Have back-up equipment and know its availability. Sign contracts on these items if necessary to avoid last-minute rushes.|ret||ret||tab|

Know the business's assets. Be sure an inventory of assets is up-to-date. Purchase and maintain insurance policies that provide adequate coverage for those items that you cannot afford to lose. Remember that standard policies often do not cover business interruption losses.|ret||ret||tab|

Keep duplicates of all essential records, such as personnel, payroll, payables and receivables, at a safe, off-site location. Be sure to have a backup of important computer files.|ret||ret||tab|

Support local disaster prevention efforts that reduce the risk to critical local infrastructures like electricity, water and roads, all of which are necessary for continued operation of the business.[[In-content Ad]]