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LABOR NEWS |
| By Rod Chapel, Director Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations |
For release the week of: June 18, 2007
Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?
Businesses are the backbone of a thriving community; they are often the reason a community prospers. The effects of destruction during a disaster often have an impact beyond the aftermath of a flood, fire or tornado.
Is your business prepared to face a real emergency? Studies show that most small businesses have traditional preparedness methods in place, such as labeling fire exits, conducting fire drills, but some may lack the planning for more catastrophic disasters. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as a quarter of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster and most of them were found to have been unprepared with no back-up systems in place.
The threats of a New Madrid earthquake or a tornado are real possibilities in Missouri. Employers need to take appropriate steps today to prepare for an emergency. With detailed preparedness plans in place, employers can lessen a disaster’s aftermath, speed up the recovery process and concentrate on our primary goal: employees’ safety.
Emergency preparedness and safety is a priority for Gov. Matt Blunt. Under his guidance, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services expanded their “Ready in 3” program to include Adult Care Facilities, Child Care Providers, Missourians who use American Sign Language, workplaces, schools and the general population.
“Ready in 3” provides Missourians with guidelines and easy to follow instructions to develop personalized emergency plans. Just a small amount of planning can make a huge difference in any emergency. You may find more details, free materials and tools to help you prepare for emergencies and disasters at www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3 or by calling (573) 526-4768.
Don’t let your business fall prey to a disaster. Take the time to plan and prepare.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
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