Guide Helps Business Owners Prepare for Disasters
After a year marked by a series of devastating natural disasters – from wildfires in California to drought in the Southeast – growers would be wise to prepare themselves for fire, weather and other potential disasters. For growers, business is always at the mercy of an unpredictable Mother Nature, but a new guide, “A Disaster Planning Guide for Small Business Owners,” strives to help growers prepare themselves for the unexpected. The guide was created by Nationwide Insurance, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The 10-page guide provides information small business owners need to develop an effective plan to protect customers and employees in the event of a disaster, according to a Nationwide press release. Identifying hazards, creating plans to remain in operation if the office is unusable, making backup copies of critical records and storing them offsite, and understanding limitations of the company’s insurance coverage are some key disaster preparedness strategies covered on the guide.
“Planning for a disaster can be one of the most important steps a small business owner can take to protect their business,” says Bill Windsor, associate vice president for safety at Nationwide Insurance. “The guide offers practical advice so businesses can be prepared for a disaster and have peace of mind that they have taken advance action to protect their employees, customers and business.”
An electronic version of the guide is available by clicking here. Hard copies of this guide can also be found at any Nationwide agent’s office. The SBA is also distributing the guide at SBA field offices. An electronic version can be found by clicking here.