Disaster Planning, A Refresher Course

Many businesses don't have a viable Emergency Plan. But why not? People who were prepared are doing a lot better than those who ignored warnings and didn't plan. But, have you thought about your business? Below are my top three tips for business preparedness during a natural disaster.

# 1 - Make copies of your important records and store them in a secure place far enough away in case a widespread disaster hits, yet close enough to have quick access to those documents when needed. Don't rely on computer back-ups like cloud files or jump drives. Chances are if a natural disaster hits- there is no electricity!

#2 - Keep an up-to-date list of e-mail addresses, financial account numbers, and phone numbers for family members, employees, co-workers, and insurance company contacts. This list should be kept with the copies of important records (noted above) as well as within your wallet at all times.

#3 Put together an emergency kit that includes one gallon of water per person per day, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, solar-powered phone chargers, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit and a cooler to keep refrigerated food cold in case of a power outage.

Want to learn more? Subscribe to my blog! I will be discussing this issue, and more, in the coming days.

Twyla N. Garrett

Essential Items- Tornado Survival Kit

My tips on how to survive a tornado:

Consider the danger signs:

#1. A pale green sky is an indicator that a tornado may occur.

#2. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also advises to look out for the following danger signs: large hail, dark, low-lying clouds, and a loud roar, similar to a freight train.

Staying safe #1. A tornado watch indicates possible tornadoes in your area.

#2. A tornado warning means that a tornado is on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately! If you are indoors, take cover in the cellar or a small space (a closet or bathroom) in the interior of your home. Stay away from windows!

#3. If you are outdoors, find a field or ditch away from items that can fly through the air and lie down as flat as you can. Do not stay in a car or try to drive away from a tornado. Cars can be flung about by high winds or crushed by debris.

#4. If you have evacuated, do not return to your home until it is deemed safe to do so by local officials.

#5. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. If you do stay behind the wheel, don't try to outrun the tornado — drive at a 90-degree angle away from the storm.