Safety at Home

Each year, we provide items that will help you and your employees ensure that your families are safe in winter at home, in vehicles, and outdoors. Please share this issue with your employees and colleagues so everyone will be prepared for the challenges that winter weather brings and can stay safe throughout the season and afterward.

Follow these safety tips to stay safe if you’re stranded in your vehicle. (Item #1) The CDC provides valuable winter weather health and safety information. (Item #2) Here are some tips to help keep the kiddies safe. (Item #3)

Kids love sledding... here are some tips on sledding safety. (Item #4) Keep the home fires burning... safely! (Item #5) Power outages usually take us unaware, so it’s best to be prepared, just in case. (Item #6)

Winter Weather

Wintry weather brings with it many seasonal threats that can result in business interruption, from a flu outbreak that decimates your staff to flooding caused by frozen pipes that explode to an ice storm that knocks out your power. Don’t be caught by surprise... if you haven’t already done so, start now to make a plan to keep your business operating, despite the worst of winter weather. This week’s articles can help you write or update a winter preparedness plan.

Don’t let early snowstorms catch you by surprise - prepare now! (Item #1) Advance preparation can help to mitigate winter weather impacts on your operations and business continuity. (Item #2) Small businesses also have winter weather challenges. (Item #3) 

Plan now for inclement weather... not after the snow falls. (Item #4) Here are some tips on how to minimize the effects of winter storms on your building. (Item #5) Share this article from FEMA with your employees so they will be prepared at home. (Item #6) 

Testing, Training & Exercising

What would you say if someone called and asked if you had tested your business continuity plan yet? If you wouldn’t be able to say “yes,” you should be starting right now to figure out how to exercise your plan. Remember, as this week’s quote implies, your plan could fail if it is not tested (and you don’t want it used for the first time in a real disaster). You have to be sure everyone knows what to do and how to do it and is able to get that experience without being under fire.

These tips, lessons and recommendations can help you develop and facilitate BC exercises. (Item #1) Exercises should be done on a regular schedule to ensure it works and to learn from what doesn't work. (Item #2) Testing & exercising can help train employees so they are competent in their roles if a disaster occurs. (Item #3)

Here are some testing tips and a suggested schedule for exercising the plan. (Item #4) This article covers the entire testing process, from setting goals to completing the post-test report. (Item #5) FEMA offers help on how to design an exercise that provides the greatest value in the most cost-effective way. (Item #6)