Ensure the safety of employees and customers
Develop an evacuation plan that includes access to shelters, hospitals, and other emergency services. Keep emergency telephone numbers clearly posted, and maintain up-to-date emergency contact and essential medical information for all employees.
Perform a safety inventory
Regularly clean and test smoke detectors, changing the batteries at least once each year. Make sure you have several well-stocked first-aid kits and that all fire extinguishers are fully charged. Keep a supply of all types of batteries used in your business, and consider purchasing a portable generator for emergency power, with fuel safely stored.
Review Insurance Coverage
Your coverage should be enough to get your business back in operation at the earliest possible date. It should cover the replacement cost of buildings, contents, and essential facilities. Special coverage may be needed to cover computer hardware, software and stored data. A major consideration is business interruption and extra expense coverage for loss of income and other expenses incurred to quickly return to normal operations. A qualified, professional commercial insurance agent can prove to be a valuable resource in crafting a disaster management plan for your business.
SCORE can help you prepare
“It is critical that individuals and businesses take this seriously and prepare accordingly as we approach the beginning of the 2023 hurricane season,” said SCORE Richmond mentor Gray Poehler.
A SCORE mentor can assist you in considering potential risks and drafting a disaster plan. Find a mentor today and visit SCORE’s resilience hub for more resources.