If you’ve been impacted by recent severe weather, you know that unexpected disasters can come with zero to no warning. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. As a business owner, it’s important that you anticipate the worst so that you are prepared if the time ever arises. Pre-loss planning helps prepare you for the unexpected so you can get back to business faster following a disaster. As a business owner, you already know that losing just one day can severely impact your company as well as your employees. When these events occur every business in your area that has been affected will be reaching out for help. In area wide events, the first resources that are depleted are local resources. Having a Pre-Loss Agreement with a local, yet nationally backed company, such as ServiceMaster Recovery Management, means having these resources ready immediately following an event – instead of searching for a restoration company afterwards.
Part of Pre-Loss Planning is having a business continuity plan. A business continuity plan will help prepare you and your employees for a variety of possible disasters. This plan includes creating preventative and recovery strategies that your organization is educated on. You will know exactly what to do to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Don't be caught off guard and left wondering how to continue running your business after a disaster hits.
Planning Ahead Will Help You:
Limit the severity of disruption to your business
Prepare for working remotely if your office is severely damaged
Expedite the restoration process
Minimize any financial losses
Avoid closing your doors permanently
Equip employees and managers with the information and training they need to get their jobs done until everything is restored.
Business disruptions can come out of nowhere. If a disaster strikes, having a plan in place to keep business as usual can reduce your risk of permanently closing your doors. Use these tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Recovery Management to create your own business continuity plan.
Here Are Some Of The Key Items To Include In Your Business Disaster Planning Checklist:
- Know What Disasters Can Affect Your Area
- Create A Disaster Response Plan: Do routine audits of your security systems, identify any potential vulnerabilities, and plan disaster drills so all your personnel know what to do.
- Establish A Communication Plan: Have an updated list of emergency personal numbers, your insurance information, processes to follow, and how employees will be updated during the disaster. (phone, email, social). Store them somewhere you can access them quickly.
- Backup Important Documents And Data
- Have An Evacuation Plan: Plot out your evacuation routes, keep emergency exit signs well-lit and clearly marked, and designate safe outdoor meeting areas in case of a disaster where you and your personnel can be accounted for until first responders arrive.
- Create An Emergency Kit
- Review Your Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy and make sure you know what your deductibles are and what you're covered for if your business is damaged by a natural disaster. Each policy covers something different, so make sure that your policy covers things like water damage, fire, earthquake damage, and other business disruptions.
We are here to provide the peace of mind you need to make sure your business is protected. We’ll help you determine the best plan of action you and your employees should take using the proper tools, resources, and planning. A rapid response is critical after a disaster. No matter how challenging the situation, we can assess your situation and immediately help you recover. With SRM, your business is in the best hands. To learn more about our pre-loss planning, contact us today.
