Courtesy of our friends at DiMatteo Insurance in Shelton, here is a list of practical considerations for business owners in the case of a serious disaster:
1. Maintain a current emergency contact list for employees and emergency services such as police, fire, utility and disaster restoration companies.
2. Make sure your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working. Set a schedule to test detectors annually.
3. Have a First Aid Kit on hand.
4. Have a disposable camera, or a camera with extra batteries ready to record the damage.
5. Flashlights and non-toxic chemical lightsticks are essential if the power goes out. Keep them in easy to find, central locations.
6. Keep an AM/FM, battery operated radio handy. Make a list of local stations that provide emergency updates.
7. Have at least one gallon of water per person, per day for drinking, personal hygiene and cooking.
8. Stock a supply of non-perishable food items, manually operated can opener, and utensils.
9. Keep basic tools on hand such as duct tape, waterproof plastic sheets, shut-off wrench, whistle, compass, plastic bucket, work gloves, pliers, hammer, garbage bags, shovel, eye protectors, etc.
10. Keep a supply of blankets and cots/mats for sleeping.
11. Keep enough cash on hand for immediate needs.
