By Jana Mathieson
“You can pay me now or you can pay me later.”
-1980s FRAM Oil Filter Commercial
Sooner or later, there comes a day when we may have to pay. How much a business suffers during an emergency or disaster could depend on what plans are in place before the disaster strikes. What would you do if your employees could not get to work? What happens during a disaster, such as the 2013 floods?
What about a theft or fire? How would your business cope? There are many tools available to help businesses prepare for disasters and emergencies. Jim Krugman, Emergency Training and Exercise Coordinator for the Mayor’s office, City and County of Denver, will be discussing two of these tools at the Red Cross Business Preparedness Academy on Sept. 30, 2014.
The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and the MAA (Mutual Aid Agreement) can benefit businesses if they are put in place ahead of an emergency. “You can either accept risk, avoid risk, transfer risk or mitigate risk,” Krugman said. “It is important to have your business understand which is the best route to go and have plans in place.”
Some leaders only think of their company, Krugman noted, but supply chains and other parts of businesses can also be affected by disasters. Understanding and getting a little help from friends and neighbors is key for some businesses to survive.
Krugman has worked for years putting together plans and using tools to mitigate the cost of disasters. During his presentation at the Business Preparedness Academy, he will share his experiences, provide training and direction, and have attendees participate so they can have an edge in risk mitigation. To find out more and to register for the Business Preparedness Academy, visit http://www.redcross.org/RMBPA.