Natural Disaster Store Preparation
Tip #356 - Four Things to Do Today
Dear Tip of the Weeker,
There are four things I'd like you to do right now - today - as a favor to me.
- Send your most positive thoughts of strength and courage to anyone you know that has experienced, a fire, a flood, or any other kind of disaster with their store.
- Immediately check your insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage for your entire store, including all your merchandise, fixtures, equipment, supplies, building, etc. Call your insurance agent if you're not sure. Although it may be tempting, this is no place to cut costs.
- Go straight to Mozy Pro and sign up for online data back-up if you don't already have it. Merchandise and other "stuff" can be replaced, but your data cannot. Imagine the crippling effect it would have if your lost your customer lists, your sales and inventory data, and your financial records. Fires, storms, theft, floods, computer failure, and more put your business at risk. We use MozyPro and it has been worth its weight in gold.
- Write an emergency procedure plan for your staff. What should be done first, second, third in case of a fire? Or a power outage? Or earthquake? Or tornado? Or if the store is robbed? If you don't know what you should do, call your fire department or police department. They can help you. Having these procedures in place can save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize damage to your business.
No one wants to believe that something like a fire or flood could happen, but it's better to be prepared than be sorry. Just ask someone who has experienced Mother Nature's Fury.
Wishing you great sales and lots of fun,
