Suffered a loss, now what?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

How quickly your company can get back to business after a  fire or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all types of emergencies. The following are some basic measures that business owners and managers can to be better prepared.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage

Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary: check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruptions. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools you use.

Practice The Emergency Plan

Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in all of the appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security

Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords and change them regularly. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Backup your computer data by using a secure cloud-based service and download security protection updates, known as patches, regularly.

Need help creating an emergency plan for your business? Don’t panic! Call SERVPRO of East Riverside City and we’ll help you set up an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) to meet all of your business needs. The call and ERP are free (951)222-2224