Ellicott City Disaster: How to protect your business from an unexpected Weather event

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

Ellicott City Disaster: How to Protect your Business

From an Unexpected Weather Event

On July 30^th, Ellicott City experienced a catastrophic flash flood when 8 inches of rain fell in 3 hours. The two water ways, which are usually streams, rose to 8 feet each as they converged under the bridge. This resulted in 125 water rescues, and a raging river of floating cars bashing in through business windows and two people died. Scores of businesses were destroyed and for the past 2 months, fundraisers have been popping up all over the state to help alleviate the businesses so they can reopen.

What would you do if your business experienced a disaster such as this? How would you even begin?

Business Emergency checklist for disaster recovery:

Keep all files handy, have a copy on the cloud and a hardcopy in a fireproof safe

Designate a person in the office to maintain safety

Have an escape plan

Have important numbers on file

Follow weather media, as well as phone flash flood warnings. Take them seriously.

Prepare a kit

Have an Emergency fund ready

How can you operate without electricity, or operational store front – mobilize business if possible

Self Check: Could your business handle a disaster if you were out of town?

Do you have flood, earthquake or any other natural disaster coverage? (did you know it takes 30 days for flood insurance to take effect, most insurance companies do not include Flood, or even sewage coverage and should always be asked for).

Don’t have enough time to do this all yourself? SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating Program, and we offer Emergency Ready Plans for free. Just give us a call and we will set one up for you.