Fires, floods, snowstorms, hurricanes…all of these things can be devastating to your art business. Whether the disaster or emergency is as widespread and catastrophic as a hurricane or flash flood, or whether is it’s as personally devastating as a major computer crash, illness, or house fire…any of these events can bring your art business to grinding halt if you’re not prepared for it. Here are some tips for disaster proofing your business, and some of the things you can do to prepare yourself and what you can do in the event of a disaster.
1. Types of disasters to plan for- there are a number of emergencies or disasters that you have to plan for in advance
- Natural disasters- tornados, flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, snowstorms
- Medical and life emergencies- sudden illness (yourself or a family member), accidents, epidemics, disability, death
- Other- computer failure, house/studio fires or flooding, theft
2. Know what your foreseeable risks are- Are you located in a flood zone? Is your studio or business located in a place that’s prone to earthquakes? Take stock of your own medical heath…does your art pose forseeable health risks? Are you prone to certain illnesses? Take concrete steps to help avoid what you can. Call your insurance agent to get proper coverage for your business.
3. Remember that a disaster doesn’t have to happen to you directly to effect you- If you have critical suppliers that get struck by a major disaster, that can be disaster for your business. Don’t be dependent on just one supplier for critical services and supplies.
4. Make a plan- once you’ve taken stock, write out a plan to follow in case of an emergency. List:
- Where you’ll conduct business if something happens to your main place of business
- How people can contact you in the event of an emergency
- Have alternative means of communication
- Who can take over for you if you become incapacitated
- Where all of your critical files and information is located (includes financial info, contact info to lawyers, insurance agent, accountants, galleries, etc)
- Access to online accounts like your website, online portfolio, email, blog
- A backup and security plan for your computers (how often you backup, where to retrieve your backups, and your security)
- A complete inventory of critical electronics and equipment along with serial numbers
- Information about your insurance policy, your policy number, and the name and contact information of your insurance agent
- A cash emergency fund
5. Have a “Pick Up and Go” box- This is a box of vital documents where if you had to evacuate in an emergency that you can simply grab and go on your way out the door.
6. Keep your plan and important documents in multiple places- Your plan is useless if you’re only copy burns up in a fire. Make multiple copies of your disaster plan and critical papers and keep them in multiple places away from your home or studio…such as a relative’s home or a safety deposit box.
For more information about disaster planning and to get a free sample disaster plan, visit: http://www.ready.gov
