Important Questions
On its Web site, disastersafety.org, the IBHS suggests the following questions may help in analyzing a business’s disaster preparedness level.
- Are you concerned that your normal business operations might be interrupted by a natural or human-caused disaster?
- Have you determined what parts of your business need to be operational as soon as possible following a disaster and planned how to resume those operations?
- Do you and your employees have a disaster-response plan in place to help assure your safety and to take care of yourselves until help can arrive?
- Could you communicate with your employees if a disaster happened during or after work hours?
- Can your building withstand the impact of a natural disaster, and are your contents and inventory sufficiently protected?
- Are your vital records protected from the harm that could be caused by a disaster?
- Are you prepared to stay open if your suppliers cannot deliver, your markets are inaccessible, or basic needs (e.g., water, sewer, electricity, transportation) are unavailable?
- Do you have plans to stay open for business even if you cannot stay in or reach your place of business?
- Have you worked with your community, public officials, and other businesses to promote disaster preparedness and plan for community recovery?
- Have you consulted with an insurance professional to determine if your insurance coverage is adequate to help you get back in business following a disaster?