It's here again - HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS 
by: Tony Prada - NMB Magazine Staff

With the season officially starting June 1st, and after the active seasons last 3 years, this is the time to put into writing a plan that will make sense for your business as well as your home. Here are some things to incorporate.

1. Determine and post payroll policies (will employees be paid for time that they take off because of a hurricane.) When you will expect employees to be at the job, both before and after the storm.

2. Will "advanced pay" be available for employees just before a storm (to allow them cash for preparations.)

3. Develop or update your employee phone roster and include cell phone numbers.

4. Develop and post a prioritized task list (include when to implement and who will implement.)

5. Develop a communications plan for customers that may not be aware of the storm potential and rely on you to meet their business needs.

6. Identify key files (paper & electronic) that must be duplicated and maintained in multiple spots to assure business continuity.

7. Develop a plan of action in the event that the facilities you run your business out of are not inhabitable for a period of time.

8. Develop a plan of action in the event that electricity is not available for a period of time.

9. Review your insurance coverage with your agent - know in advance what you are covered for including business interruption insurance.

10. Take pictures of your equipment and other valuables that may be damaged or destroyed in a storm to speed up processing of claims.

                         
Know if your business is in a evacuation area/flood zone and what you can expect if you are force to evacuate.