Protecting Your Employees And Property During And After A Wildfire

Wildfire season is here, and the aftermath of an unexpected and out-of-control fire can be devastating for anybody, including your business. According to the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC), 70,600 wildfires burn an average of 7.0 million acres each year. A wildfire can have a direct impact on your company’s property, equipment, and assets, as well as the people who keep it running. INSURICA is here to help you prepare your company for any natural disaster. Here are some precautions you can take now or in the future to protect your employees and property during and after a wildfire.

Prepare Property

• Even if your company isn’t in a high-risk wildfire area, disaster preparedness should be a top focus. With the help of your local fire department, inspect your company’s property and the surrounding area. Make sure to have your fire extinguishers and smoke detectors checked by fire crews.
• Maintain a 10-foot barrier between your workspace and any plants. Remove any dead plants and keep the ones that are still alive well-watered, as well as cut any branches that are getting too close to the structure.
• Stock emergency kits with first-aid supplies and tools like fire blankets and keep them in all important areas. Within 20 feet, everyone should have an emergency kit.

Prepare Employees

• Hold wildfire preparedness meetings a few times a year to review your plans and remember that if you’re prepared and ready, your business can recover.
• Employees should be aware of all evacuation routes around the building. Ensure that exit routes are obvious, visible, and accessible.
• Contact your clients. Inform them that your company is prepared in the event of a wildfire and that you will communicate quickly in the aftermath. Assure them that you’re doing everything possible to keep things running smoothly.
• Monitor communication channels, such as public service announcements and websites. Be alert to quickly changing conditions.

After a Wildfire

• Return to the office only when it is safe to do so. Get the green light from emergency officials to return to work.
• Allow your employees time to recover and adjust, especially if they have been injured. When everyone is ready to return to work, reopen your office; if you are unable to reopen your office, consider other options for workplace recovery.

More Wildfire Preparedness Considerations:

• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), the month of August averages over 9,000 wildfires—and nearly two million acres of damage.
• May is National Wildfire Awareness Month

Wildfires may strike without a warning at any time, so it is critical to prepare your business before and after the catastrophe. Take proactive steps to keep everyone safe and time for your emergency plans to be reviewed and revised. To learn more about risk management services available to you, contact INSURICA.com/our-team today.

Source: Agility