Disaster Strikes! Are you prepared?

Last week, a landslide swept into one of the grocery stores in Ketchikan , home of our corporate headquarters. It severely damaged the entire building, which housed the market and a liquor store, both of which are locally owned. Fortunately, there were no injuries as it happened in the middle of the night. The impact was extensive, however, and the building has now been condemned. The owners are uncertain about the future and whether their insurance will cover repairs. Even more heartbreaking is the number of people who are now without work.

As a safety company, we spend a lot of time talking about evacuation plans, safety policies, procedures and equipment. We can train and prepare our staff to act in an emergency. But as the owner or the manager, you have to go a step further. Review your insurance plan. Set up a visit with your provider and talk about more than just the building. What happens if you die or become incapacitated? Who will run the day-to-day operations? Is your organizational chart up to date and the staff trained to step into new roles? What can your employees expect if there is a catastrophic event? What disaster assistance is available in your state, county or city?

Our motto at TSS is that knowledge is power. Educate yourself so that you can plan ahead. The Small Business Administration  and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation are great starting points, providing resources that will help you keep your business on track even during the most difficult times.

Ketchikan is a giving community. The people on the island will rally and support the two affected business owners and their employees. Fundraisers and bank accounts are already set up and being monitored. The owners will work on their next steps and make short- and long-term decisions in the coming weeks. We are thankful that no injuries or loss of life occurred. Yet, this tragic event serves as a good reminder to all of us. KNOW your resources. Do the homework to be prepared for worst-case scenarios.