Emergency Preparedness for Your Home and Business

As a business owner it is important to remember that a disaster or emergency can strike at any time and you and your employees should always be prepared. According to the Red Cross, a three-day emergency kit should be kept at home, in the car and even at your place of business for each member of the household or business.

As with anything, the more prepared you and your employees are, the calmer individuals will be in the event that a disaster strikes. According to the Red Cross, because they were unprepared, 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster like a flood, tornado or earthquake. Remember, it’s not just a major disaster that can cause your business serious heartache! What about a water-main break or a large windstorm that causes the power to go out for several days?

Important tips to make sure you are as prepared as possible:

1. Keep an updated list of phone numbers and addresses for all employees in a couple of different locations (home safe, locked cabinet at work, etc). Develop a phone tree and assign certain employees to call others if disaster strikes. By doing this, you can learn who is all right and who needs help. This will also allow you to quickly communicate instructions about the business.
2. Back up your computer systems on a regular basis! Keep duplicate records at a different, safe site.
3. Have adequate insurance, not only for physical property, but for business interruption.
4. Have emergency power available (backup generator)
5. Have a plan for both your home and business - advise your family and employees of the plan including escape routes and safe places. Plan for those with disabilities or other special needs including pets. Be sure to include the plan as part of your new employee orientation.
6. Assemble kits for your home, car and business.
7. Maintain your plans, kits and contact lists!

The Red Cross has many resources available to individuals and businesses including: Business Disaster Planning, Family Disaster Planning, Pet Disaster Planning and much more!

Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit

For the workplace, the following supplies are recommended by the Red Cross. To learn more, visit their website.

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Food - enough non-perishable items to last at least 1 day (preferably 3). Canned meals, meats, fruits and vegetables or high-energy foods such as granola or energy bars are good options.
• Water - at least one gallon of water available (more if possible).
• Medications - at least three-day’s supply of prescription medications as well as non-prescription medications including pain relievers.
• First Aid Supplies (bandages, gauze pads, hand wipes, antiseptic wipes, non-latex gloves, tape, anti-bacterial ointment, cold pack, scissors, tweezers, CPR breathing barrier, etc.
• Emergency “space” blanket (Mylar)
• Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
• Non-electric can opener if utilizing canned foods
• Personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, soap, contact lens supplies and feminine supplies.
• Plastic garbage bags
• One complete change of clothing and footwear
• Extra pair of glasses
• Whistle

Each kit should be customized based on your own personal needs.