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Part 1 of 2 - Storm Season / Emergency Preparedness For Contractors
I am born and raised in a state (Florida) which has had it share of emergencies - tornados, hurricanes, wildfires etc.
- 65% of all construction contractors have 10 employees or less according to Risk Management Associates. There are currently 2.7 million construction firms in total - that's 1.7 million small firms. Construction is a huge small business industry.
- Minimum three contact methods of all employees - phone, cell, email and of course, physical location - one would go by their house to check on them
- Emergency cash is essential - $300 for each employee - to be paid back later.
- Generators are great in certain situations such as IT operations
- Designate a rally point or meeting place outside of a building or in a location so as to count missing persons.
- Back up computer systems are best if located another state. (I use Carbonite)
- Have syncing software that will keep laptops current with desktops. Laptops are much easier to use after a storm with Broadband capability and electrical charging via truck / car.
- Cars / trucks have electrical generating power for cell phones, laptops etc. make sure they have the adapter plug ins to be used.
- Batteries kept in their wrappers until needed in flash lights.
- Take pictures of all work completed before storm hits for any potential insurance claims.
- Get statistical data from your insurance company about weather related delays. Have this at the ready in case the client starts claims for delay after the storm.
- Wind and Flood are two different damages - know the difference in your insurance policy and adjust accordingly.
- People (your employees) will take unneccesary risks for their pets - consider sheltering them in your building.
- Run practice drills once a year during early storm season.
- Check on emergency rental rates for area hotels - some offer greatly reduced rates during after a storm. During 2004's Hurricane Charley, my daughter and I stayed at the Rosen Hotel - Orlando for $42 a night for 8 days. In hindsight, it was a very lucky we did some planning.
- Better to have a higher deductible and a higher maximum coverage than a lower deductible and a lower maximum coverage.
- Most insurance claims needing a contractor quote. Think about charging for quotes after a storm. Others have done so and homeowners / building owners don't object as long as you tell them upfront.
Posted by Matt Stevens at May 1, 2008 7:31 PM