Management

Seven Steps to Get Your Business Ready for the Devastations of an Earthquake

Earthquakes are mostly unavoidable as they strike without warning, but take along with them many valuables and create voids. If there are ways to stop earthquakes or measures to minimise damages, we’d give everything to implement them.

In like manner, it takes foresight for any smart entrepreneur to pause and think: What if a big quake hits my business? Having survived three major quakes — San Fernando, Northridge, and Nisqually up in Seattle — I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to prepare for the unknown.

Living outside California is not a guarantee that you can’t be affected. There are quake zones throughout the U.S.

The following are seven steps you can take to shield your business from the devastations of an earthquake or make a quick comeback if you ever get affected:

  1. Get insured. With insurance, you don’t have to go through business losses all by yourself. Although there’s the popular idea that you can’t count on earthquake insurance if there’s a really critical earthquake breakout, no worries! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has got you covered. Nonetheless, FEMA can offer low-interest loans, don’t expect cash. And there could be delays. But most importantly, getting earthquake insurance from a reliable insurance company you can count is priceless; Talisman Casualty Insurance Company LLC is one of such insurance companies you can trust not to cut corners.

To get wholesome benefits of insurance, you might want to look into getting standard business insurance that compensates you for business interruption, or reinsurance for when the loss becomes too much for only insurance to cover. Talisman has you covered on this one also.

  1. Have a disaster plan. Generally, a disaster plan makes provision for an organized system where all the company staff are linked-up, and there’s a free flow of work. Yes! Working remotely is the idea. Have every staff stay at home or meet at an alternate site. Ensure that your business’ data and necessary staff details are intact and securely stored on your computer and accessible to authorized users only.
  2. Secure your facility. You can mitigate risks or prevent hazards entirely by being a little more cautious. This involves making provisions for essential equipment such as gas shutoffs, security alarms, fire extinguishers, and water switches. Train all staff on how to use them.
  3. Locate an alternate site. You can’t afford to lose sight of alternative locations to reestablish your business. You could use an open-space computer terminal or secure a position similar to your old centre, and if you’re into manufacturing, you can start small in a secluded area.
  4. Call in a pro. You’ll need expert help from someone who knows more about earthquakes than you do. Have a contractor conduct an appraisal of your property.
  5. Do it yourself. There’s always some low-cost measures that you can take to keep your building secured. Among other things, secure tall bookcases to the walls or consider purchasing a £40 kit at a hardware store.
  6. Stock up. Disasters do not give warnings before they come. So, store up plenty of food and water for yourself, as much as you can, and anywhere you can — even at the office.

If you have any questions, please ask below!