As we enter the 2006 hurricane season, it is time to take inventory of our disaster preparedness plans. Can your business recover from a natural disaster? What steps have you taken to prepare? Have you discussed this topic with your clients?

According to most disaster recovery surveys, two out of five businesses fail as a result of catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 and other disasters. The number is even greater for small, women and minority-owned businesses. Either they don't have a contingency plan or they're relying on a plan that is outdated and ineffective.

This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week, a key time for you to review your personal checklists and go over your family's home evacuation or preparedness plan. It's a time for you to check your inventory of batteries, water, flashlights, candles and canned goods. And it's an excellent time to determine how you as an entrepreneur can recover if a natural disaster or unforeseen event affect your business.

1. The steps for dealing with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters should be automatic and well known by everyone in your company. Ask your critical employees and strategic partners if they have plans for their families as well. No one will stick around to help you support your business if they don't feel that their loved ones are safe. Your plan should be viable, versatile and practical enough to cover a wide range of disasters.



2. Train your employees and test your plan. Do a drill. Know where the shutoff valves for gas, electricity and other utilities are located. Stock first-aid kits, medical supplies and canned goods. Protect your assets. If you have to leave the site, leave your lights on. It could prevent unlawful entry.



3. Backup your computer files on a regular basis. Be prepared to store your hard copies of your critical information, records, and data offsite and look for technical services that can provide off-site storage of your computer files. Make sure the stored documents you store are safe, accessible and out of harm's way. Don't just rely on the safe deposit box in the bank down the street.



4. What would happen to your business if you're injured or killed? Now is the best time to evaluate your insurance needs. Do you have key man/woman insurance in the event of your death? How will your family survive without your revenue? And do you have business interruption insurance that would continue to pay salaries, utilities and possibly rent for a temporary site? These policies could pay out for up to 12 months after a disaster or insured incident. If civil authorities force you to close your business, will you be able to file a claim for lost revenue during this time? In the case of a disaster, how can you contact your insurance company, particularly the adjuster?

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. created the Maryland Office of Homeland Security in 2003. He requires that Maryland state agencies fully prepare for disasters as well as prepare for the recovery efforts of their constituents. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) operates a 24-hour emergency communications and operations center. In the case of emergency, the Governor is fully prepared to protect the citizens of Maryland. There are many resources available to help you develop a disaster–preparedness plan for your business. Some examples:

1. Maryland 's Business Preparedness Site http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/content_page.jsp?TOPICID=bzprep



2. “Getting Back to Business - A Guide for the Small Business Owner Following Disaster” http://www.ibhs.org/docs/GBB.pdf



3. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ready Business Mentoring Initiative http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0911.shtm.
   This effort includes the Ready Business Mentoring Guides and other business preparedness tools to help owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare for emergencies.



4. U.S. Small Business Administration - www.sba.gov.
   The SBA provides disaster relief via loans to qualifying businesses after disasters.



5. The American Red Cross – Prepare at Work http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_57_,00.html



6. Research and find emergency office space that fits your budget and needs. http://www.regus.com/go/emergencyofficespace (one example)