Red Cross 
Emergency Services

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Tips for Business Recovery

In 2006, the Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that after a major disaster such as a fire, a flood, or an earthquake nearly 25 percent of small businesses do not reopen.

Even if you think you are not at risk, your daily business operations can be interrupted by customers and suppliers being unable to get to
you. Even the sudden heart attack of an employee or customer and your response to that emergency can impact your staff’s morale and the community’s perception of your firm.

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Disaster Recovery Begins Before a Disaster
No business should risk operating without a disaster plan. These shuttered businesses were unprepared for a disaster; they had no plan or backup systems. When you start to develop your disaster plan, consider three subjects: human resources, physical resources and business continuity.

·  Think about how a disaster could affect your employees, customers and workplace.

·  Think about how you could continue doing business if the area around your facility is closed or streets are impassable.

·  Think about what you would need to serve your customers even if your facility is closed.

Protect Your Employees, Customers and Business
Designate one employee from each work shift to be the safety coordinator. This person
will make all decisions relating to employee and customer safety and to the safety of the business itself. Safety coordinators should know how to contact the owner or operator at
all times.

Start Building Your Plan Now
Here are some suggestions your may want to consider:

·  Keep phone lists of your key employees and customers with you, and provide copies to key staff members.

·   If you have a voice mail system at your office, designate one remote number on which you can record messages for employees. Provide the number to all employees.

·  Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line(s). Then, if you can't get to the office, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.
 

·   If you may not be able to get to your office quickly after an emergency, leave keys and alarm code(s) with a trusted employee or friend who is closer.
 

·   Install emergency lights that turn on when the power goes out. They are inexpensive and widely available at building supply retailers.
 

·   Back up computer data frequently throughout the business day. Keep a backup tape off site.
 

·   Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery backup systems. They will add protection for sensitive equipment and help prevent a computer crash if the power goes out.
 

·   Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert feature. Keep it on and when the signal sounds, listen for information about severe weather and protective actions to take.
 

·  Stock a minimum supply of the goods, materials and equipment you would need for business continuity.

·   Food and water for employees and customers to use during a period of unexpected confinement at your business, such as if a tanker truck over-turned nearby and authorities told everyone in the area to stay put for an extended period. The Red Cross has emergency supplies and kits available for purchase and all items are tax-free. Visit our
on-line store.

·   Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business. Remember, most policies do not cover earthquake and flood damage. Protect valuable property and equipment with special riders. Discuss business continuity insurance with your agent.

For more information, contact the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter at

(253) 474-0400 Pierce County / (360) 352-8575 Thurston-Mason Counties

(360) 748-4607 Lewis County / (360) 241-2341 Grays Harbor Counties