It can be very important to have a recovery plan if your business is impacted by a natural disaster or event that is beyond your control. A recent example of this is the COVID-19 pandemic where businesses may be eligible for compensation.
Following are some steps for developing a business recovery plan from the Insurance Information Institute:
- Set up an emergency response plan and train employees how to carry it out.
- Write out each step of the plan and assign responsibilities to employees in clear and simple language.
- Compile a list of important phone numbers and addresses.
- Decide on a communications strategy to prevent loss of customers.
- Consider the things you may need initially during the emergency.
- Human Resources. Protect employees and customers from injury on the premises. Consider the possible impact a disaster will have on your employees’ ability to return to work and how customers can return to your shop or receive goods or services.
- Physical Resources. Inspect your business and assess the impact a disaster would have on facilities. Make sure your plans conform to local building code requirements.
- Business Community. Even if your business escapes a disaster, there is still a risk that it could suffer significant losses due to the inability of suppliers to deliver goods or services or a reduction in customers. Businesses should communicate with their suppliers and markets (especially if they are selling to a business as a supplier) about their disaster preparedness and recovery plans, so that everyone is prepared.
- Protect Your Building. If you own the structure that houses your business, integrate disaster protection for the building as well as the contents into your plan.
- Keep Duplicate Records. Back-up computerized data files regularly and store them off-premises. Keep copies of important records and documents in a safe deposit box and make sure they’re up-to-date.
- Identify critical business activities and the resources needed to support them. If you cannot afford to shut down your operations, even temporarily, determine what you require to run the business at another location.
- Find alternative facilities, equipment and supplies, and locate qualified contractors. Consider a reciprocity agreement with another business. Try to get an advance commitment from at least one contractor to respond to your needs.
- Protect computer systems and data. Data storage firms offer offsite backups of computer data that can be updated regularly via high-speed modem or through the Internet.
If you or a loved one are seriously injured in a Pennsylvania accident, contact an experienced Harrisburg accident lawyer at Schmidt Kramer to discuss your case and any uninsured and underinsured motorist case. We can answer any questions or concerns you have about a Central Pennsylvania injury accident in Carlisle, Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Hershey, Shippensburg and all of Central Pennsylvania.
The toll-free number is (717) 888-8888 or 717-888-8888 and the case evaluation is free. Alternatively, you may wish to download a free copy of our book Who Pays the Bills When You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident? for additional information