May
12
By Sharon Fugle
I attended a workshop called "Emergency Preparedness for Victoria Businesses." It was informative, educational and a little bit frightening! We live in the most dangerous place in Canada with regard to earthquakes; but there are other disasters which can occur, as well. It really brought home the importance of being prepared for any emergency situation. The slide show presented was comprised of charts, graphs and numbers interspersed with grim images; showing the devastation and grief caused by storms and earthquakes over the last decade. May 6 - 12 is "Earthquake Preparedness" week, both in BC and nationally.
We have over 1200 earthquakes every year. Someday one of them is going to be the "Big One" and there is a one in three chance it will happen in our lifetime. Designing and implementing a plan may involve some cost to you, but once in place, upkeep should be minimal. The city of Victoria runs emergency preparedness workshops all year long and city training is available to provide assistance on a municipal level. Please see preparevictoria.ca for further information. Having a damage control plan in place means less interruption to your business and getting back to it sooner. It also provides peace of mind and helps you to protect yourself and your business.
Think of the circumstances which could cause a major business disruption or force you to close your doors. Identify the major threats and how they would impact your business. All data should be backed up and stored off site, if possible define your top priorities and then design a simple plan that is right for you. It is highly recommended that you speak with your insurance provider. Decide who is in charge if you are not around and who has the authority to do what. Create or enhance your 24/ 7 contact list. Who do you call: landlord, utilities, a restoration company, trades people and is there a need for security, in or around your property? Create a checklist. A major disaster would affect the whole region and even though there will hopefully be emergency crews, you will have to be self-sufficient until they can get to you. Always have a pair of comfortable shoes at work. Small business owners, which are located close to one another can co-ordinate a joint plan and share expenses for emergency supplies. Earthquake kits are available from several local businesses.
Check your business for hazards to make it as safe as possible. Prepare for winter storms and major illnesses. Help reduce the spread of viruses by cleaning keyboards, door knobs and countertops with disinfectant regularly, during flu season. Make a point of learning where the utility shut offs are and then incorporate the information in the emergency plan. If you have your own, before, during and after plan, you are not so overwhelmed by the chaos which may surround you. How will you take care of those who depend on you? A good action plan can save lives.