Prepare for all types of disasters

The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, and with it the U.S. Small Business Administration began urging homeowners, renters, and businesses across the country to take steps to protect their lives, properties, and businesses.

Even if you are not in the hurricane “belt,” you should prepare for disaster, which could blast in unannounced in the form of tornadoes, wind storms, floods, hail storms, and (in the winter) sleet or ice storms and blizzards.

Preparing for the worst-case scenario will ensure a quicker and less costly recovery.

Disaster preparedness for homes and businesses should include:

• A solid emergency response plan. Find escape routes from the home or business and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand.

Keep emergency phone numbers handy. Designate a contact person in your practice to communicate with other employees, customers, and vendors.

• Adequate insurance. Disaster preparedness begins with adequate insurance coverage — at least enough to rebuild your home or business.

Review your policies to see what is not covered. Consider “business interruption insurance” which helps to cover operating costs during the post-disaster shutdown period.

Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

• Backing up copies of important records. Back up data saved on computer hard drives and store that information at a distant off-site location.

Store documents and CDs in fireproof safe-deposit boxes.

• Protection of windows, doors, and roofing. Installing impact-resistant window and door systems, or simple plywood shutters before the storm hits can enhance their ability to resist impacts from wind-borne debris.

Hire a professional to evaluate your roof to make sure it can weather a major storm.

• A disaster survival kit. The kit should include a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit, nonperishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a throw-away camera to take pictures of any property damage after the storm.