An earthquake can disrupt your entire operation in moments, from damaging your physical location to halting supply chains. Without a solid plan, recovery could be slow and costly, potentially impacting your bottom line, employees, and production. Thinking ahead and preparing now can significantly reduce these risks, ensuring your business can bounce back swiftly and efficiently.
Plan
A thorough, written plan should explain evacuation and shutdown procedures, medical duties, contact information, alternate communications system, location of critical records, and communication methods
Data Back-Up
Your company personnel, financial, and customer data is vital to your day-to-day operations. Don't risk losing it. Keep paper documents that you'll need in an emergency in one place so that they can be quickly and easily gathered. Create digital copies of documents and store them securely online. Copy your servers on a regular basis.
Property and Inventory Documentation
Keep a photo library of your facility and vehicles. Regularly inventory your supplies, products, office furntiure, electronics, etc. This information will help you assess loss, file insurance claims, or apply for recovery assistance.
Assess
Don't enter a damaged building until it's deemed safe. Start with the structure, then move onto equipment, inventory, and other areas of the business. Determining whether the space can be used while repairs are being made will help you determine how quickly you can reopen.
Generator Use
Practice caution when using generators. Never use them indoors or near an open window, as carbon monoxide poisoning can result.
Building Cleanup
A building assessed as structurally sound may still present hazards. Wear PPE to protect against sharp objects, protruding nails, falling objects, and breathing hazards.
