Margate, Florida September 2008 – As many prepare their homes for the triple threat of hurricanes, it’s important to remember that you need to protect your business as well. The difference between being prepared and waiting until the last minute, could mean not only the loss of your important client and business files, but also work done now and in the past. Your clients rely on you to keep your business up and running, so you need to make sure you do everything possible to do just that.
That’s why home-business owners Diana Ennen and Patty Gale decided that they should have an emergency plan for their home office. As a resident of South Florida, Ennen has prepared for numerous hurricanes, including a direct hit from Hurricane Wilma. Gale lived in New York after 9/11 and had the task of preparing a emergency preparedness guide for a company she was working with at the time.
They also felt it would benefit others as well, especially in times like this. They created a downloadable guide, The Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home Business to teach others how to ensure the survival of their home office in the event of an emergency. A sample copy is available at www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Ennen and Gale both know the importance this guide can make in ensuring a business will withstand whatever this hurricane or any disaster (including a theft in the office or fire) has to offer
Emergency plans are not only for big businesses, but small ‘mom & pop stores,’ and small businesses as well. The guide is divided into a number of important sections:
• An section to track all of the important information about you and your company. This will help you keep track of all your clients as well as discuss where all your important papers are kept and who to contact in case you did receive a direct hit.
• An inventory you will prepare of your office (including equipment, software and contacts). Also, a section to note where you keep crucial papers such as your Will, Home Deed, Corporate Papers, etc.
• Insurance information for all types of insurance, business, medical, etc. This is so critical because it will show you what coverages you have and what you might be needing before the storm.
• Business Continuity Plan – describe how you plan on keeping your business operating.
• Family information. Complete contact information is documented so you can get in touch with people after the storm. You will also outline plans of where to go to meet family and friends in the event of severe weather conditions. For your children, you also are presented ideas on how to provide them the information they need in case they are separated. Don’t forget those college kids either.
• Medical information. Just think how important it is to have this down on paper. You will list all your family medical conditions, medications, special needs, etc. This one section can save a life. Doctors and hospitals need this information to successfully treat you.
• Also, a hurricane/tornado/storm preparation section. This can perhaps be the most important. What foods and supplies do you need? How you can prepare those foods without electricity. If you have kids, what extra food and supplies should you stock up on to keep them calm during and after the storm.
Now is the time to prepare. Stop by http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com to learn valuable tips as well as get your free sample copy of the Home Office Recovery Plan. Plan today for a safer tomorrow.
About the authors: Diana Ennen and Patty Gale are successful business owners. Ennen is also the author of several books related to business and working from home including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. |
