Disasters can have detrimental effects on businesses, but there are steps that business owners can take to minimise damage and ensure the safety of their most valuable resource – their staff.
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred heads towards the coast, lessons from research can help businesses and business owners prepare now, explains Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia.
“Research has shown that businesses can save significant damages by implementing preparedness actions before a flood”, Andrew said.
“However, not all businesses are well prepared. Small businesses can struggle to recover following major flood damage.
“Consider the flood risk for your business. Often this information is available on local council websites.
“In retail businesses, often carpets, fittings and stock can be lost. Having a plan to relocate these to a higher area or outside the floodplain can help reduce losses. Have a look around the premises and secure any items that might float. Fittings made from particle board can be particularly vulnerable to flood damage.”
Don't forget about your important records, paperwork, technology and your people, says Andrew.
“Have you got your critical records backed up and stored in the cloud or offsite?”
“Have a plan to evacuate staff and customers, this includes knowing when to evacuate and what routes to take. Make sure employees know not to enter floodwater; the research shows this is most dangerous aspect of a cyclone and has led to the most fatalities.
“It will also be vital that businesses can stay connected with their employees to provide updates and make sure they are safe, and to update their customers and suppliers.
“Consider too if you will be able operate your business while offsite.
“Most importantly, talk to your staff about your plan and make sure they know what their roles will be.
“Being as prepared as possible ahead of the cyclone will help everyone stay safe and give your business the best chance to either stay up and running, or open as soon as possible after the cyclone,” Andrew said.