Disaster Recovery Tip #11: Prepare for the first 72 Hours

Prepare for the first 72 Hours

The crisis in Japan is heart wrenching and hard to fathom. It’s been said that this will be one of the most closely examined disasters in history. The lessons learned will help generations for years to come. But what can you do today to prepare your business and family for a large scale event?

Simply put, prepare to go it alone for the first 72 hours.

FEMA recommends to be prepared with adequate supplies for the critical first 72 hours after a disaster. This includes operating under the assumption that utilities (phone, electricity, gas) as well as public safety (police and fire departments) may be unavailable. The following items should be included in a 72 hour “go bag” or kit:

• Clothing: Each person should have two sets of clothes.
• First Aid: You should have a fully stocked First Aid Kit and include any over the counter medications.
• Water: Water is critical. Each person should have a minimum of one gallon per day.
• Food: Pack high energy food bars and other non-perishable high energy snacks. This will help both the physical and mental aspects of a disaster.
• Medication: You should have a three, or preferably 10 day supply of any prescription medications.
• Important Documents: Insurance policies, contracts, wills, deeds, titles, and medical prescriptions in a waterproof pouch.
• Money: You should have at least $250.00 in cash. Power failures will disable ATM’s and most credit card machines.
• Misc: Extra blankets, hygiene products, N95 respirator masks, misc tools, flashlight, extra batteries and radio are all great things to have.

If you have questions about preparing for the first 72 hours, please contact Agility’s client service team. They will be happy to help.

ClientServices@agilityrecovery.com
877.364.9393.

Contact
Mike Estey, Area Director at Agility Recovery Solutions
Telephone: (603) 660-2455
Fax: (800) 536-4237
Visit the Agility Recovery Solutions web site.

Disaster Recovery Tip #10: Flood Checklist

Flood Preparation

In light of the recent Tsunami that has already affected Japan and Hawaii, and is expected to impact the West Coast of the United States (click for latest update), we felt it would be prudent to dedicate this week’s tip to flood preparation.

Floods are the most common and widespread of all naturally occurring disasters, and they continue to grow in frequency and severity. Businesses are more likely to flood than burn down, so it is vital to prepare now.

Did you know:

• Most businesses can save between 20% and 90% on the cost of inventory and movable equipment by taking action to prepare in advance of flooding.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s.
• A foot of water will float most vehicles.
• As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

The following checklist will help keep your business afloat even if the worst happens.

Click here to download Agility’s Flood Preparedness checklist.

Contact
Mike Estey, Area Director at Agility Recovery Solutions
Telephone: (603) 660-2455
Fax: (800) 536-4237
Visit the Agility Recovery Solutions web site.

Disaster Recovery Tip #9: The Flu- Still Going Strong

Spring Fever

Spring is right around the corner. The days are getting longer, the snow is melting and the daffodils are budding. With excitement in the air, we quickly forget that flu season is still upon us. According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peak flu season runs all the way through the end of March.

Flu related absenteeism can cost employers thousands of dollars in lost revenue and productivity. Click here to download a simple checklist created by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to help employees and businesses take preventative action against the flu. For the latest flu activity in the US, click here.

For more information, download Agility’s free whitepaper-
Pandemics: What Every Business Needs to Know

Contact
Mike Estey, Area Director at Agility Recovery Solutions
Telephone: (603) 660-2455
Fax: (800) 536-4237
Visit the Agility Recovery Solutions web site.