BBB advises preparing for unknown disasters

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.