Essential preparedness
Every office needs a disaster kit. First-aid supplies. Duct tape and plastic sheeting. Flashlight with batteries. Fire extinguisher and portable radio. Wrench to turn off gas valves. Consider having someone at the office take CPR or first-aid courses. Develop an evacuation plan and pick a meeting spot.
Establish a bunker
A central room away from windows where vital documents and drawings can be stored to help prevent water damage during a hurricane or other natural disaster. Better yet, scan the most important papers.
One word: lockbox
Establish a lockbox with client contact and billing information, current project records, digital drawings, and everything vital to the firm’s continued operations. Those details will help keep your projects on safe footing in the aftermath of a disaster.
Digital storage solution
Back up data and digital files nightly, if possible, and store on off-site servers. Create a detailed file-naming system so you can find, say, the plans for that restoration project of yours amid the sea of data.
Studio comforts
In case of an extended wait for rescue, ensure that you have the requisite necessities. Sleeping bags. Solar charger for BlackBerrys and other digital devices. Generator. Food and water for at least three days.
