One of the biggest worries a business owner can have is shutting down their company temporarily due to an issue out of their control, such as a major weather event, utility outage, accident, or unforeseen property damages. For some companies, even the shortest closure could lead to the loss of customers, revenue, and even the business itself. However, when a company has the ability to quickly recover and resume operations from covered events, there is a greater likelihood that they'll survive the temporary closure. In today's Aegis blog post, we'll look at four ways you can minimize closure time and keep your business operational after a disaster strikes.
Store Your Data Off-Site
Companies can back up all networks and email servers to an off-site storage system, preferably a cloud-based network to allow for quick company recovery and immediate access to business records and communication networks. This can help if the business is closed due to utility outages or building damage. Some data-heavy businesses or online companies may also consider having their company website mirrored in an out-of-state data center to allow for a faster recovery.
Go Paperless
By transitioning to a paperless work environment, companies can prevent the loss of business-critical documentation during a major catastrophe, which would normally shut down more paper-dependent businesses. Develop and initiate a paperless system within all departments, from recruiting and HR to financial and operations. Sales records, invoices, permits, financial records, accounting data, payroll, licenses, vendor information, contracts, certifications, and personnel files can all be transitioned from paper copies to digital records for safe keeping.
Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan
One of the biggest causes of delays for a business impacted by storm damage, utility outages, or other catastrophes is that employees often have no clue what to do, where to go, or who to contact after disaster strikes. A company-wide disaster plan can help company management establish a plan of action for business and employee communication, protecting company property, resuming operations, and possible relocation sites for temporary use. This is especially needed in a corporate environment reliant on mobile communication, when cell towers are often damaged during a major event.
Review Commercial Insurance Coverage
Too often companies make the mistake of just securing the bare minimum amount and type of commercial insurance coverage, usually just the ones required by state or local laws. This can leave companies extremely vulnerable if disaster strikes. Companies should ensure they have a full range of quality Commercial Insurance coverage to protect all facets of the business, including Commercial Property Insurance, General Liability, Excess Liability, Utility and Business Interruption Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, and Workers Compensation Insurance.
Aegis Insurance & Financial Services excels at providing companies of all industries and sizes with the quality Commercial Insurance coverage needed to protect against losses and provide financial help when it's needed most. Talk to our friendly team of agents today to get more information on our full range of Commercial Insurance policies, including Business Owners Policy, Commercial Property, General Liability, Excess Liability, Business Interruption, Utility Interruption, Commercial Auto, and Workers Compensation coverage. Contact Aegis at 713-850-7622 or fill out our online form for a free quote today!