635939644286907794-1442225959_boyscouts

Even though we live miles away from any coastline, warm ocean currents are creating severe weather conditions all over the country.  These conditions can be detrimental, if not devastating to your business.

For example, in 2015 about 10.1 million acres were scorched by wildfires in the US, compared to 3.8 million acres the previous year.  Meanwhile, winter storms caused an estimated $3.5 billion in insured losses in 2016, up from $2.6 billion in 2014.

What can you do?  Here are seven things you can do now that potentially could save you from significant financial hardship or worse:

  1. Plan an emergency response – stash away non-perishable food items, 2-way radios, drinking water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, gloves, etc.
  2. Make sure Local Government has contact information for your business;
  3. Maintain your emergency equipment;
  4. Secure your data and files – the best insurance you can have for your business information is a good, recent back-up that is stored off-site;
  5. Patrol your business location during the emergency – as long as it is safe to do so;
  6. Reinforce and Stress Workplace Safety;
  7. Inspect Safety Equipment and Controls

This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it is should get you thinking about the areas where you can be prepared and lessen the impact of an unfortunate event and possible financial hardship.