News
Benefits Buzz – May 2013
5
2013
Topics Include:
- HIPAA Certificates Required During 2014
- HHS Plans to Delay Key Aspect of SHOP Exchanges
Click Here To Read Full Article: May Benefits Buzz
Recent Disasters Prompt Preparedness
4
2013
Preparedness Is The Answer
Both the Boston bombing and Waco fertilizer plant explosion reminds us the 1916 boy scout motto, “always prepared,” is more in vogue than ever because preparedness is the answer. Preparedness saves lives, decreases stress and trauma, and improves recovery time whether it be from damage to persons or properties or both.
The Branson, MO region is not immune. Tornados and flooding are part of this region’s history.
Leaf debris from morning flooding produces hazardous driving surface on Reinhardt Road, north of Branson.Area disaster agencies along with insurance companies and risk management agencies are helping businesses think through what to do in the event of an emergency. Today, Akers & Arney hosted a seminar entitled, “R U Ready?” at Charlie’s Steak, Ale and Ribs in Branson which was destroyed in the Leap Day Tornado of 2012.
Akers CEO David Arney, said the seminar was more like a family sitting down to discuss their emergency plan. “We want everyone to feel like they can have their questions answered,” he said.
PREPAREDNESS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin answers questions on preparedness.
The two-hour seminar featured Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin speaking on disaster preparedness. He said the three key factors he wished especially business owners would consider prior to a disaster is to plan or prepare, communicate that plan effectively to employees and frequently exercise the plan. “Drill with your staff, employees, and vendors concerning what kind of resources you need.”
PREPAREDNESS TAKES THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Grayson Smith, a continuity planner with Agility Recovery, responded to seminar participants about what’s the first call to make after that call to 911 or your spouse. “Usually it’s to your insurance agent, but then if you have someone like us involved we can start the process of getting power, internet, phones and providing temporary office space. We get you back into business within 48 hours.” Smith said with Hurricane Sandy, they helped 109 businesses and are still helping two.
Bob Forberg, Property Claims Specialist with Illinois Casualty Company presented information about how businesses can be quickly restored to full operation. “Got the call, was dispatched and got to the site as soon as possible to document the damage,” he said concerning the Leap Day Tornado and the damage to Charlie’s Steak, Ribs and Ale. Forberg said he was able to deploy a number of specialists to see if it was feasible to fix the building, then worked with contractors, engineers and architects to get the restaurant quickly reopened.
Chief Martin said many people thought a tornado would never cross Table Rock Lake, follow Lake Taneycomo or come down West 76 Highway. “We had some myth-busting,” he said.
Now with flood and tornado season in full swing, “There’s just a lot to think about when it comes to disasters,” said Arney. “Preparedness is vital for every business.”
by Gaye Lisby on April 18, 2013
