When Disaster Strikes

The largest blizzard! That is today.
 

In the past there have been floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and many other unhappy circumstances, which have always been disastrous for a great part of our population and the local businesses.


Photo from www.weather.com

There are a few steps that every dealer must take to protect their companies:

You must protect your records, customer lists, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. List all of these on your computers and maintain an updated backup. Do not keep that disc in your office - bring it home! Keep it updated at all times. A few moments a day will save you many hours of aggravation.

Important documents such as insurance policies, leases, titles for vehicles, etc., should be safely stored in a safe deposit box. One of the DME dealers I have worked with told me he keeps these papers in a fireproof box as well at the bank. My preference is to keep them at your bank!

Have you devised a plan to reach your employees in the event of a disaster? Prepare a communications plan to alert managers and staff.

It is equally important to make sure you have a disk with the telephone number of important clients and that you know where your equipment is being used. Make arrangements to contact each and everyone who has your equipment in the event of an emergency. This will keep them apprised of the situation and make it easy to continue their care while you reestablish your location.

As we said when we were Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared.”