BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage can impact your local Long Beach business in a variety of ways. Some of the most evident ways include infrastructure damage, property damage, employee injuries, and loss of revenue. How can you ensure that your business continues running smoothly, even in the event of a sudden emergency? We at SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach / Signal Hill have compiled information to create a business continuity plan that will keep your businesses running in the event of a disaster.

Business continuity planning is the creation of an emergency plan by recognizing threats facing the company and ensuring that personnel and assets are protected and functioning in the event of a disaster. For example, a finance company based in a major city might back-up its computer and client files offsite, providing satellite offices access to important information in the event of an emergency. Once critical business functions are identified and a recovery system is in place, it’s a good idea to coordinate a trained team to manage business disruption.

An area that is often overlooked is damage to a business from a fire within the supply chain. If your business relies on a sole supplier for goods or services, a fire within their building is likely to have an adverse effect on your business. As a supplier, dividing operations will lead to partial damage instead of total loss.

Businesses can protect themselves in the following ways:

• Securing vacant or easily accessible areas to prevent thieves from breaking in
• Implementing a safety team to prevent accidents caused by neglect, poor housekeeping, hot work equipment, hazardous chemicals, or unsafe work practices.
• Providing fire safety training and routinely checking fire alarms and fire extinguishers
• Practicing an evacuation plan

A business continuity plan offers several benefits. It improves public perception and acceptance of the company. By displaying a proactive attitude and preparedness, the public will have a positive impression of the organization, leading to more trust and business. Additionally, it will boost your employees' morale and command loyalty by offering them more assurance and stability. Shareholders and partners will gain added security by investing and collaborating with a business that makes every effort to prepare for the unexpected. Lastly, overall efficiency improves, allowing the company to respond quickly and keep losses to a minimum.

With a well-designed plan, we hope to see your Long Beach commercial business running smoothly, regardless of the circumstances. Even with preparation, SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach / Signal Hill recognizes that emergencies happen routinely, and we are here to help restore your commercial building and keep your business flowing.