As Hurricane Irene continues on its path towards the Northeastern United States, everyone in its path is preparing themselves for the effects of the storm. Although Irene is likely to weaken and become a tropical storm before it reaches central Vermont where I live, most people have been taking precautions to secure their homes and acquire emergency supplies. The most likely effects that we will encounter here in the Green Mountain State are flooding in low-lying areas and very high winds that can knock down trees and power lines.
At my house, we prepared by bringing all loose items from the yard into the garage and parking two of the cars in there. Fortunately we live up on a big hill, so flooding is not a concern. We did go out to get bottled water and foods that do not require any cooking so that we are prepared to go without electricity for a few days. All of this emergency preparedness got me to thinking about emergency preparedness measures for the home-based professional.
In addition to taking precautions to secure their homes against a hurricane or tropical storm and making sure that the family has the supplies that they will need in the event of a long term power outage, home-based professionals must take steps to protect their business equipment and other tangible items. They also must make plans for when and how they will get their work done in the event that they have to evacuate or of they lose electricity for days at a time.
If you have a home-based business and you get word that a natural disaster is on the way, be sure to back up your data and store it in a secure location, whether online or on media that can be locked in a fireproof/waterproof safe. Take care to secure your business equipment, computers, files, and other business items in a place where floodwaters will not reach. If you are in an area that may need to evacuate, decide what business items (laptop, files, cell phone, etc.) you would take with you and have them packed up. Unplug computers, fax machines, copiers, and anything else so that they will not be damaged if there is a power surge when the electricity goes back on if it is lost during the storm. Most importantly, put the safety of yourself and your family first. Your business is important, but the health and safety of your family must be your number one priority during any emergency.
Photo by Grafixar on morguefile.com.