After a weekend being glued to the Hurricane Irene warnings, updates, and recovery photos on the Weather Channel, I am contemplating how the Pacific Northwest has been spared this year. Unlike almost every other part of the U.S., we have avoided the pains of unbelievable winter storms, floods, draughts, tornadoes, or the shock of newly discovered fault lines. We have been fortunate; but we cannot afford to be complacent or unprepared. We know only too well how susceptible we are to natural disasters, and this last weekend should be our wake-up call to be prepared.
There are three things we should do now.
1. * Develop a plan of communication for your business and home. Involve all employees and all family members. Become a skilled texter; we’ve learned that these lines of communication are sometimes more open than others. We will be a lot safer if we can all be connected.
2. * Prepare a survival kit for both your business and your home. Set up autos with emergency survival clothing and equipment.
3. * Contact your insurance broker and review your business insurance and your home coverage. Make sure you are covered not only for loss of property but also for the loss of your business income.
