Disasters and What They Can Teach Us

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

As you may or may not have known, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month. This simply means that we use the entire month to talk about the importance of everyone, especially business owners, creating a thorough emergency plan for when issues arise, whether it be fire, water, mold or anything in between. Certain disasters bring specific aspects of destruction with them that can require special attention. Business owners need to plan for additional challenges like business interruption and continuation during these challenging times. This is why it is so important to have a plan together that includes not only immediate access to critical data like emergency contacts and insurance information, but also information that pertains to certain disasters and the unique threats that they can pose.

For example, when Tropical Storm Isaias made its way through parts of the US and Canada last month, there was plenty of destruction left in its path, especially in the Northeast. While flooding is often expected and businesses can only do so much to prepare, the more daunting issue Isaias posed was millions of power outages nationwide. While an emergency service plan can help during this time, there is often an extra level of limitation that no electricity can pose. Some businesses are able to invest in backup generators, including stationary or standby generators that will connect to your electricity line, and turn on automatically if you have a power outage. Portable generators are also a less expensive option that some businesses turn to, but they tend to be less powerful and unreliable when it comes to keeping a business up and running. Please note, that if you are able to obtain a generator, always put them outside and away from doors, windows and vents. Using a generator in an enclosed space can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can turn very deadly in a short amount of time so it is important to be careful. This will ensure the health and safety of your employees while allowing your business to be up, running and able to serve the community around you.  

However, if obtaining a backup generator is not an option, risks include an outage of security systems or fire alarms, two essential systems that are meant to keep both businesses and employees safe. This is why when planning for disaster, make sure your alarm system has a fully charged backup battery that will prevent it from turning off if power is lost. It’s important to note that as technology advances, more security systems relying simply on internet connection are coming onto the market. As a business owner, it is important to think about how these systems go down without internet connection and how this will serve your business during a power outage. While general emergency plans are vital to you and your business, it is equally as vital to think about each different disaster and plan for the unique limitations they can pose to you.   

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle our main goal is to provide you with information that keeps both your business and home running smoothly, even when we’re not needed. Along with that, we would love to be your designated disaster mitigation and restoration provider if that need arrives. Our SERVPRO professionals will happily conduct a no-cost assessment of the damage. We also have access to portable generators which allows us here at SERVPRO to get your business, or home, cleaned up in no time, even without power. For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle, please contact us at (914) 684-1560 or 800-967-6663.