Every business needs a disaster preparedness plan, and everyone should know the details.
They always say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but who can plan for a disaster? You might not have a crystal ball, but you can reasonably predict some forces of nature and other disasters that might strike.
Planning for the unexpected isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but it certainly does help. And with security monitoring, your business is a lot safer. Here are 5 ways that you can protect your business and employees.
Whether accidental or not, fire is one of the fastest-moving disasters that any business can encounter.
#1: Install a System with Security Monitoring
Security monitoring is your best first line of defense, whether the disaster is weather-related, caused by vandals, or even created at the hands of a burglar. We can install fire alarms, video surveillance, verified audio, and other systems that help keep you, your employees, and your business safer.
Our monitored security systems rank higher because they’re more sensitive and accurate. There are fewer false alarms, so when the police or fire department get an alert they know that it’s probably authentic.
#2: Give Everyone Access to Emergency Numbers
Emergency numbers aren’t a well-guarded secret, or at least they shouldn’t be. Each employee should have a list of emergency contacts, including the police, fire department, and your Sonitrol monitoring Central Station.
Additionally, The Hartford Insurance Company recommends keeping a copy of the same list off-site. If the building suffers a fire, flood or other disaster, a backup copy can save you a lot of legwork and trouble.
Your emergency plan should include a few alternatives.
#3: Make an Evacuation Plan and Rehearse It
When a disaster strikes, you may only have a few minutes to get out of the building or to a safe zone. Having an evacuation plan can save lives in different ways, so design a plan and rehearse it regularly.
You might have one plan in case of fire, which helps everyone get out of the building and to a designated spot. In the event of a robbery during business hours, evacuating one part of the building and moving to a safe place could also protect employees. Determine which plans your business needs, then share them with everyone.
#4: Keep a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit should contain more than just bandages and antibacterial ointment. A well-stocked kit needs a comprehensive set of emergency supplies. The American Red Cross has a kit with everything from different bandages and antiseptics to CPR tools and sterile gloves.
With your first aid kit, the Small Business Administration suggests that you’ll also want several flashlights, plenty of unused batteries still in their factory packaging, a battery-operated radio, tool kit, nonperishable food items, and bottled water. Also think about a battery-operated cell phone charger, just in case.
#5: Store Critical Information Securely
Important paperwork and digital data copies need a secure, fire-proof, burglar-resistant safe. Anything that you might need in a disaster, but can’t afford to replace or can’t replace quickly, should go inside.
While thinking about disaster preparedness, consider whether your insurance policies are up to date. Your insurance provider can help you decide whether you have enough coverage for your business, or if you need more.
Disasters aren’t predictable. Floods, fire, tornadoes and other natural disasters don’t come with warnings. And man-made disasters that threaten your business and everyone in it are no easier to see coming. But we can help you protect the things that matter.
Sonitrol of Louisville can design a security system to guard against disasters that you can’t avoid and alert the right emergency responders. We can also help you protect your business from disasters of another sort – burglaries. Give us a call today at (502) 966-8999 to discuss the security monitoring solutions that your business needs.
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