Jean L. Serio

In the last decade we've seen businesses lost during times of disaster. Many had no hope of being saved. Some, if they'd had a Disaster Preparedness Plan in place, could have been moved elsewhere. Most importantly, their incredibly valuable business paperwork could have been saved for the future if a plan had been in place.

Regardless of where your business is located, in today's unique world and changing environment, it's essential to have a Disaster Preparedness Plan in place. For some, disaster preparedness has become a way of life. And while residents and businesses in places such as New Orleans are working at it daily, some having learned way too late, there is much to be learned from their new plans. Not to mention recommendations made by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

11 Tips for Organizing Your Disaster Preparedness Plan

Excerpted from the U.S. Small Business Administration's article "Disaster Preparedness for Business of All Sizes"

1. Start your plan by identifying what your operation needs to do to protect itself in the face of a natural disaster. Even if you don't own the building your biz resides in, take steps to protect your assets.

2. If you don't have extra - even second-hard - equipment, and/or can't afford it, depending on the type and impact of an approaching natural disaster, have a plan to remove what you need before or immediately after a disaster.

3. Store extra supplies and other necessary items offsite so you can easily restart after the disaster. Make a plan for a temporary location if your biz is displaced because of a disaster. Be ready with utility disruption with a portable generator or access to one.

4. Find escape routes from the biz and establish meeting places for you and your employees. Make sure everyone understands the emergency plan before the storm hits. Designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors. Have a list of everyone's cel phone available so you can easily and quickly connect.

5. Review your insurance coverage so you understand what's covered and what's not. Add what's necessary.

6. Most regular insurance policies don't cover floods. If your's doesn't, check with the National Flood Insurance Program to see what plans are available for your biz. www.floodsmart.gov

7. Consider "business interruption insurance". It covers operating expenses, like utilities and compensates you for the income lost after a temporary closure.

8. Mke back-up copies of all tax, accounting, payroll and production records, customer data and info stored on your computer's hard drive, as well as other essential info. Store those records at a secure, offsite location, 100 miles away. All other important docusments such as contracts, etc., should be saved in fireproof safes or safe deposit boxes.

9. Install impact-resistant windows and door systems, or plywood window sutters to help product your property from wind damage. Hire a professional to evaluate your building and roof to determine how well it will stand up to a serious a storm.

10. Develop a post-disaster communications strategy. Keep current phone numbers for employees, customers, suppliers, utility companies, local media and emergy agencies, plus other important numbers, organized and easily available on site. Plus keep a duplicate in your safe offsite location.

11. Appoint a spokesperson, or valued employee, so once the storm or disaster is over, they can get the word out your company is still open, and on the road to recovery, to dispel rumors. And when things have calmed down, keep your customers and/or vendors, up to date on what progress has been made.

For more preparedness tips for your business and home, check out the info provided on the U.S. SBA's site - www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/prepared/getready.html

The Institute for Home Safety has valuable info available at: http://www.ibhs.org

The general disaster preparedness site for the U.S. federal government is: www.ready.gov

Excerpted from the U.S. Small Business Administration's "Disaster Preparedness for Business of All Sizes"

Jean L. Serio, Author. Are you one of the 1.2 million women tired of working the 9-5 grind, sick of worrying about making ends meet? As you know, starting up your own business still remains one of the best strategies for providing you financial freedom. Visit us and discover how the Tips, Techniques, Strategies and Best Practices which brought our Women's Experts Outrageous Success - Can Fast-Track You to Success Easily and Safely! To insure you receive all the details FREE, and learn how to harness the power of other successful women, plus receive hundreds of must-have resources you need to start, first sign up for your Free Newsletter "Women Start Up a Business". Click to continue: www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com We help you make it happen!