WorldWide Drilling Resource

Plan Ahead for Natural Disasters Compiled by Bonnie Love, Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Whether it is a hurricane, flood, earth- quake, wildfire, or tornado, natural disas- ters can happen anytime and anywhere. In addition to preparing your home and family, it is also important to take appro- priate measures to protect your business. Most businesses keep records and files essential for normal operations on-site. The loss of these records and files during a nat- ural disaster, could add to your damage costs and delay your return to normal operations. First, you should determine which records, files, and materials are most impor- tant and consider just how vulnerable those records can be during different types of disasters, and take steps to protect them. Here are a few suggestions for preparing your company for a natural disaster: j Raise computers and equipment above the flood level and move them away from windows. Cover them with plastic if possible. j Backup computer files and other vital documents regularly and store them in a secure off-site location. j Anchor large equipment securely and away from propane tanks and gas cylinders. j Consider reinforcing large shop doors and protect windows and doors with covers. j Make sure employees know what to do in the event of a natural disaster. Keep a list of contact numbers for all employees, as well as emergency and insurance contact numbers. j Secure items on the property which may become flying projectiles during tornado or hurricane situations. j Consider having a backup location where your business can function smoothly if your original site is damaged. Make sure all employees know the plan! j Establish a plan for communicating with employees, clients, and other stakeholders - both from your existing location and from potential off-site locations. j For insurance and tax purposes, maintain a written and photographic inven- tory of all important materials and equipment. Store the inventory list in a safety deposit box, the cloud, or another secure location. According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster. Take the time today to prepare a plan for your company so you are able to get up and running as quickly as possible after a natural disaster. 17 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JULY 2018 4< /*2'3* "& > > > > ,'< ? /2+ '6* /3+6 /3+6 ')1/3- " " !8=2+ /7843 4* 4* ')1/3- !+8 5)7 !8'3*'6* $'2:+ 9((+6 6':+2 $'2:+ 9((+6 !+'87 9((+6 $'2:+ 37+687 #6+8.'3+ $'2:+ 37+687 $'2:+ !56/3- ! ! $'2:+ 4:+6 '71+8 ? !;/:+2 ')1/3- ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 6/)+7 !9(0+)8 "4 .'3-+ %/8.498 48/)+ !@ @ < < < < < Nebraska Task Force 1 working to respond to the effects of Hurricane Harvey in southern Texas. Photo courtesy of FEMA. Join thousands at one of the fastest growing shows ~ The Water Expo 2018 (7 th Edition), held August 29-30, at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida. The event pres- ents equipment, technologies, products, and services for wastewater, water quality, environ- mental services, sanitation, and stormwater. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, live demos, VIP sessions, special courses, and more. This bilingual trade show and conference attracts professionals from the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean - over 40 countries in all. Additional information at www.thewaterexpo.com Where are you planning to go? How about including this show: Join WWDR See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue.