Opportunity does not waste time with those who are unprepared.
Preparing for the worst-case scenario before an accident is always better than trying to find ways to effectively mitigate and solve the problem after an accident. To better protect your business and valued employees, our team of experts would like to share three professional tips that you need to include in your business crisis plan.
Brace Up for Power Outages
As common as it may sound to you, a serious unprepared power outage can leave a dent in your operational efficiency and reputation. In reality, power outages can happen anytime, anywhere. Dramatic weather conditions such as heavy rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures can lead to a regional, sometimes widespread outage.
Business owners are not able to prevent a power outage from happening. However, they can plan ahead of time and create thorough, step-by-step instructions to minimize its impact.
We strongly recommend any business owners conduct a comprehensive and thorough walkthrough of the facility on a regular basis depending on their business models and unique needs. Make a list of any temperature-controlled products or power-reliant vulnerabilities. Create clear, easy-to-follow instructions for handling these products in the case of a power outage. In addition, make sure all the resources you will need are readily and easily available at all times.
Know What We Breathe in
Every year, many areas across North America are swept by floods and wildfires. When they happen, these natural disasters leave toxins, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens in the air of the nearby regions. These contaminants, infecting not just the air but also structures such as floors, walls, and furniture for a considerable length of time, can be very dangerous to the safety and well-being of your employees.
The rule of thumb when a such natural disaster happens is not entering any impacted place until you receive a green light from health and safety professionals. Once you are approved to enter, carefully assess all damages such as smoke, water damage, and mold. You will need professional help to safely restore and disinfect all the areas and structures impacted.
Many business owners neglect the importance of purifying any remaining airborne toxins and pollutants because, unlike structures, they are invisible. Breathing in and out in a space with unclean air means you are putting toxins into your body. You can address indoor air quality concerns with specialized air decontamination units that can highly effectively remove air pollutants.
Don't Forget to Remove the Destruction
Mother Nature reminds us of her strength with perilously destructive natural disasters. Structural damages such as damaged roofs, ceilings, walls, and piled-up debris can create serious safety hazards.
First, identify what damages need to be taken care of. Find all open access points and move any fallen trees and debris to a safe place, preferably more than 8 meters away from the building to keep pests away. Work with a professional team to deal with any work that needs more than simply moving and washing off.
Consider investing in a pre-established emergency mitigation/property restoration plan. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, businesses can save up to $13 dollars per $1 dollar invested.
Scholars warn that we will highly likely see more weather emergencies as climate change continues. Conducting a pre-disaster plan is a proactive way to secure your business' sustaining efficiency and success.