To follow up on the article “Is Your Workplace Disaster Ready?” in the previous issue of Reducing Your Risk, we’d recommend using this self-assessment checklist for business owners developed by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
“10 Questions: Is Your Business Ready?”
Your answers will help determine how well you handle an emergency:
- Are you concerned that a natural or human-caused disaster might disrupt your normal business operations?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Have you determined what parts of your business need to be operational as soon as possible after a disaster and planned how to resume those operations?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Do you and your employees have a disaster-response plan to help assure your safety and to take care of yourselves until help can arrive?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Could you communicate with your employees if a disaster occurred during or after work hours?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Can your building withstand the impact of a natural disaster, and are your contents and inventory adequately protected?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Are your vital records protected from the harm that a disaster could cause?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Could you stay open for business if your suppliers can’t deliver, your markets are inaccessible, or basic needs (water, sewer, electricity, transportation, etc.) are unavailable?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Do you have plans to stay open even if you can’t stay in or reach your place of business?
__Yes __No __Unsure - Have you worked with your community, public officials, and other businesses to promote disaster preparedness and plan for community recovery?
__Yes __No __Unsure - 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?
__Yes __No __Unsure.
Results: Your score indicates how well-prepared you are for a disruption.
- 7 – 10 Yes answers: You’re well on your way.
- 4 – 6 Yes answers: You have lots of work to do.
- 1 – 3 Yes answers: You should get started immediately.
Our risk management professionals would be happy to work with you in developing a disaster management plan tailored to your needs. Just give us a call.
