Protecting Your Business from Wildfires: A Comprehensive Guide

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to businesses, it’s imperative to have a solid plan in place to mitigate potential losses and ensure the safety of your operations. This guide offers actionable steps to safeguard your business headquarters and storage facilities in the event of a wildfire.

Preplanning Staging Areas: Identify multiple staging areas considering the direction of fire spread, and implement security measures to prevent theft.

Emergency Staffing: Develop a plan for emergency staffing to facilitate the relocation of equipment and supplies efficiently.

Prioritize Items: Create a list prioritizing equipment and supplies based on their value and importance, considering the availability of replacements.

Business Records: Backup and relocate computers with records, and ensure quick relocation of paper files. Secure inventory lists for potential losses with proper documentation.

Utilize Available Resources: Know local suppression contractors and excavating companies that can assist with fire suppression efforts.

Staff Preparedness: Implement measures for staff to clear debris, turn off utilities, seal air vents, and remove flammable materials from structures.

Exterior Preparation: Wet down non-metal roofs and combustible surfaces, leave exterior lights on during evacuation to enhance visibility.

3. Communications & Event Monitoring

Preplanned Communication: Establish communication options and a chain of command for disseminating messages during equipment evacuations.

Safety Protocol: Develop procedures to confirm staff notification during safety shutdowns and establish meeting points for accountability.

Regular Updates: Send out regular status reports on the fire’s progress to keep all stakeholders informed.

4. Checklists

Task Management: Create checklists to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently during evacuations.

Staff Tracking: Develop attendance sheets to track staff involvement in emergency procedures.

5. Emergency Procedures and Kits

Written Procedures: Establish written procedures for staff to handle specific emergencies during evacuations, such as medical emergencies or equipment breakdowns.

Emergency Kits: Provide each staff member with emergency kits containing first aid supplies, provisions for 72 hours, respirators/masks, flashlights, and chargers.

Develop the Plan

Developing a plan for emergency staffing is crucial to ensure the efficient relocation of equipment and supplies. Consider the following:

Vehicle Requirements: Determine how many vehicles are needed to transport equipment and supplies to the new emergency storage location. For example, if you need to move heavy machinery or large quantities of supplies, you may require multiple trucks or trailers.

Driver Assignments: Identify who will drive the vehicles during the relocation process. Ensure that designated drivers are properly trained and licensed to operate the vehicles. Additionally, confirm that all drivers are listed on the insurance policy to mitigate any potential risks or liabilities.

Backup Plans: Have contingency plans in place in case of unexpected circumstances, such as driver unavailability or vehicle breakdowns. Identify alternative drivers or transportation options to ensure minimal disruption to the relocation process.

By addressing these considerations in your emergency staffing plan, you can streamline the equipment relocation process and minimize delays or complications during wildfire emergencies.

In conclusion, proactive planning and preparation are key to minimizing the impact of wildfires on your business. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can better protect your assets, ensure the safety of your staff, and maintain continuity of operations in the face of wildfire threats. Remember, adapt these plans to suit your specific needs and resources, and regularly review and update them to stay prepared for any eventuality.

Bancorp’s insurance agents are available to provide you with a free review and consultation.  Contact Us – Bancorp Insurance Call 800-452-6826