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Emergency [pronunciation: ih-mur-juh n-see]: a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action

People often understand the physical definition of the word emergency, but what about the implications of it? About 75 percent of small businesses have no disaster plan in place. Of those who have experienced a natural disaster, more than half said it took three months or more to recover.

Are You Ready?

If a natural disaster occurs tomorrow—are you ready? If all power is lost and you have only moments, possibly seconds, to determine your next move—are you ready?

There are a lot of decisions and time involved with proper emergency planning. And although it may not seem essential right now, having a plan in place will make all of the difference in those crucial moments of need.

If you’re ready to take the next step to create an effective emergency plan, Cleveland Brothers is here to help. Whether you’re in need of rental solutions on the spot, from air compressors and heaters to generators, or you’re ready to have a more permanent plan, our team will provide you with expert advice and quality products.

To help you get started creating your emergency plan and preparations, it’s important to consider these few simple yet crucial tips:

1. Consider an alternative power source.

Whether your location is at high risk of a natural disaster or not, companies of all sizes and locations struggle for a consistent flow of power. If you need power for a facility with patients, finances or data, reliable power is crucial to your business. Not sure which generator is right for you? Trust our experts to provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision.

2. Make a physical, documented emergency plan.

It’s important to research emergency planning and create something tangible. Having everything documented will help you know what to do in the moments that matter the most. Make sure to:

• Talk with your insurance representative to learn which emergency situations and items are covered and which are not
• Consider your location to verify that you have the right kind of insurances (such as flood and fire)
• Create a list of emergency contacts and know which representatives to contact
• Figure out the details now so you know what to expect in an emergency
• Know the closest Cleveland Brothers location and keep the contact info of your representative handy in case of questions or if you need rental solutions

3. Share with your team.

Once you create an emergency plan, it’s important to routinely discuss the details so everyone has a clear understanding of expectations. It can be very helpful to assign each person a unique responsibility in crises, such as a designated person to call 911. Make the plan accessible to all employees and run through similar emergency scenarios that could occur.

Routine drills, awareness and education will give your employees the confidence they need to succeed in those dire moments. You should also know the limitations and capabilities of your building, both internally and externally, like examination rooms, exit routes, accessible fire extinguishers and escape routes.

Resources that can help you plan.

While these are just a few helpful tips, the conversation shouldn’t end here. There are many great emergency planning tools and resources available, and it’s crucial to take the time to research and develop a plan custom to you.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers plenty of training and awareness pieces, as well as toolkits which help you assess risks, damages, insurance claims and more.

We’re here to help.

If you are interested in learning more about generators, our experts can help you find the model, type and size that’s right for you. Call an Electric Power Sales Representative at 1-866-268-1717 or send us a message.

Start planning your emergency backup plan. Consult with your local Cleveland Brothers Power representative, or go to: www.fema.gov.

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