Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/735417
WEEKLY EDITION October 5, 2016 Hurricane Matthew Urges Us All to Revisit Hazard Preparedness Portable restroom operators should take proactive steps to manage equipment that lies in the path of a storm. In light of Hurricane Matthew's steady approach toward the South East coast, it is an appropriate time to revisit the topic of hazard preparedness to ensure your company is ready to "ride out the storm." Whether or not your approaching storm is named Matthew, the following suggestions are universally helpful for disaster preparation. As we are all well aware, coastal areas are not the only ones affected by extreme weather or other kinds of emergencies – and businesses can do plenty to prepare for the impact of the many hazards they face. In addition to hurricanes, it is important to prepare for other natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and widespread serious illness such as the H1N1 flu virus pandemic. It is also important to prepare for human - caused hazards, such as accidents, acts of workplace violence, or acts of terrorism. Examples of technology - related hazards are the failure or malfunction of systems, equipment or software. No matter the category of disaster, here are some basic steps you should take to ensure your company is ready for whatever comes its way. FOUR EASY THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW • Check your insurance policy. Are you covered for the things you think you are? Are the limits high enough? If you've brought new equipment recently, or hired more staff, these things may need updating. Also be sure to ask about wind, flood, sinkholes, and business continuity coverage. • Update your staff communication information. The worst time to find out you d on't have up to date phone numbers is during an emergency. Try actually calling the numbers you have for your team and make sure they go through. • Check out your data back up procedures. You may think you have all of this covered, but what if your office fl oods, burns down, or blows away? Are you backing up to the cloud or some other off site location? How quickly could you recover your data if you had to start from scratch? What would you do in the meantime? • Communicate with your customers. Recently, PSAI B oard Member Jennifer Corrigan of JW Craft Rentals in Florida shared a letter she sends to her customers during hurricane season. It tells the customer what to expect from the company when a storm is forecast for the area and how they can help secure the po rtable restroom equipment on their property. This is a great idea that you can borrow. What are the hazards in your area? Make sure to tell your customers what they need to know and do, so they are able to save your equipment and avoid dangerous situations . CONTINUED ON PAGE 3