BBB: Disaster Planning Luncheon for businesses

According to a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), more than 40% of businesses will not re-open following a disaster, whether it be a hurricane, fire or data breach. The report goes on to say that of those who do remain open, only 29% are still operating after 2 years. Owning and operating a business comes with a certain amount of unpredictability. Wisdom suggests that careful planning for a worst-case scenario can help protect that business and, perhaps, keep it strong while others struggle to recover. The Better Business Bureau is joining forces with the City of Corpus Christi, SCORE and the Small Business Development Center to offer a free BBB Disaster Planning Luncheon for businesses. Those who attend this gathering will learn how to write a detailed Disaster Plan, covering the following topics in more detail: Emergency Response Team: Who should participate in putting together your emergency plan? You should include co-workers from all levels. Focus on those vital to daily business functions. This should include people with technical skills, managers and executives. Communications: How will you reach employees? Consider a password protected page on your website, a calling tree, email alert or a call-in voice recording to communicate with employees in an emergency. Designate a phone number for employees to leave a message saying they are safe. Contingency plan: Come up with a list of backup vendors or suppliers in case your primary ones are shut down. Consider alternative work sites so that you can keep operating. Keep a list of 24-hour emergency numbers for all employees and vendors, to develop a quick and efficient way of keeping employees informed. Back it up: Make backup copies of all critical records, such as accounting and employee data, customer lists, production formulas and inventory. Keep that information in a separate location at least fifty miles away, or subscribe to an online data backup service provider. Review: Plans change over time, and you should go over your plans annually to make sure your employees are updated, especially new hires. Review insurance policies. It is smart for any business owner to take out property insurance policies, which cover the cost of replacing damaged or destroyed equipment or buildings. But also consider business interruption insurance, which covers lost income in the event that your business is forced to shut down temporarily. The free Planning for Disaster Luncheon will take place at the Del Mar College Small Business Development Center (3209 S. Staples) on Tuesday, July 31st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For additional resources, visit the BBB Resource Website: https://www.bbb.org/central-texas/disaster-relief/statewide-resources or FEMA at www.fema.gov. Want to know more? Contact Regional Director Kelly Trevino at ktrevino@corpuschristi.bbb.org.