If you own a business in certain parts of Australia, you are probably aware of the cyclone season. Still, even after all the awareness, cyclones can cause huge losses to businesses. They can lead to the destruction of property as roofs get blown away. The rains that come with cyclones can also cause flooding. This can ruin the goods and materials that you have stocked, as well as short your equipment.
Your supply network might get cut off. Your communication lines could also be disrupted. Productions could get shut down for years. This is why it’s of utmost importance to protect your business during the cyclone season. Here are some steps that you can take to ensure that your business is fully protected:
Set up shelters
The best way to stay defended against cyclones and storms is to set up physical barriers between you and the force of the gale. If you are starting a business in a disaster-prone area, make sure that the materials you choose for building are appropriate. Pick sturdy construction materials such as brick rather than vinyl and wood. Simple features such as hedgerows or fabric shelters can be a line of defense against floods. Use smart building ideas such as using real grass on your lawns to make drainage better.
Take care of your data
Perhaps one of the biggest losses can be incurred by systems and networks shutting down as a result of cyclones. There can be a loss of data that can cost your business heavily. To avoid this, make sure that you have cloud backups of all your data. This way, even if your physical devices have short-circuited, you can still access the data online. It’s best to use remote servers spread out over multiple locations to manage these risks.
Set up emergency plans
You need to have emergency plans in place before a disaster occurs. An emergency plan has many different components. You should have stocks of all your assets and products. All your facilities should be evaluated for risks and vulnerability so that in times of disaster, they can be adequately served. Make sure that you have a list of your employees and their location during office hours.
You should train your employees in emergency procedures such as evacuation and administering first aid. Your company should carry out regular drills so that people don’t panic when the time comes. Make sure that all your assets and employees are covered by an appropriate insurance service.
Keep stocks for emergencies
With cyclones, there is always a chance of getting stranded. Make sure that you have prepared emergency stocks for those rare situations. This should include sufficient stocks of canned food, fresh water, medicine, and other supplies such as batteries and flashlights. Make checklists to see whether everything has been packed.
By taking these steps in advance, you can protect your business from millions in losses. Prevention is always better than dealing with the results of the cyclone. At all times, remember to follow official instructions, and keep a channel of communication open. This will ensure quick evacuation and safety.