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Wouldn’t it be great if we were warned beforehand of the damages and implications every time a disaster struck? Unfortunately, Mother Nature isn’t keen on sending memos of what to prepare for before she wreaks havoc.
Instead, it’s up to company leaders to prepare employees and infrastructure for any and every kind of disaster or emergency situation, from natural disasters such as flooding or tornadoes to man-made situations like security threats.
Your insurance company, security experts or local public safety personnel can help inspect your structural safety, identifying vulnerable areas, clearing evacuation routes and addressing other potential security risks.
Once the safety of your employees is ensured, the next step is to determine how to keep your business afloat. You may not be able to open your doors, but that does not mean you forget about your customers. Notify regulars when you know you will be out of service for a significant period of time.
Cell phone/Internet service
If you still get phone coverage, you are in business anywhere you go. Most modern smartphones allow you to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot, meaning you can still access data, make calls or even plug a laptop into your phone. There are some applications that make this process easier and depending on your cell phone provider, there may be extra fees.
Power
Hurricane Sandy showed that once people’s basic needs were met, their next challenge was finding somewhere to charge their phones and laptop batteries. A cell phone that lasts only 18 hours doesn’t do much good if it takes authorities a week to get everything back online. Investing in extra batteries, portable power sources or car chargers can show customers that you are serious about offering uninterrupted service. Most carriers have a variety of power sources under their accessories menu.
Remote backups
Companies should regularly back up their computers. But even discs or a redundant server are at risk if there is a disaster that damages your building. More and more businesses are sending their data to off-site storage “farms,” which keep things secure and easy to access. An article by PC Magazine offers more than a dozen options of companies that offer these services. Each service charges based on the number of computers and amount of data to be archived.
The Fallston Group offers safety and security risk assessment services to ensure your business is prepared for any emergency situation. For more safety, security and crisis management advice or services, contact us at 410.420.2001.
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