Chamber speakers talk hurricane preparedness for businesses, announce beginning of Treasure Hunt
The June North Fort Myers monthly Business Leaders Luncheon held at Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano concentrated on the subject of hurricane preparedness for both businesses and homes.
Ray Hair of State Farm Insurance, Michelle Brisendine of Servpro and LCEC Energy Advisor Todd Hodges all offered valuable tips on preparing for a disaster.
Fourteen to 23 named storms are predicted for the 2010 hurricane season, with eight to 14 being expected to turn into actual hurricanes, and three to seven projected to be major hurricanes this year according to NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Hair’s tips were simple and to the point. “Get employee information,” he said. “Get to know your insurance agent,” he said.
A Business Interruption Plan is the key. “You don’t have make it a huge document, but know what you will do, and what employees will do in case of a disaster.”
Emergency contact info is crucial, he continued. “Get numbers of where all of your employees will be, even identify temporary employees numbers, with where team members will be with family or friends in case of a disaster.”
He also said to prepare employees with honest expectations you would need in a disaster. “Let them know about extra hours, etc.”
Hair said to stock supplies for three days at homes and businesses in anticipation of a disaster, including a hurricane.
“And let clients know where you plan to go in a disaster.”
Brisendine also outlined key information. Her business Serpro, she said, has been helping business and home owners recover from disasters for more than 40 years. She stressed the importance of planning. “Research indicates that only 43 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations. Only 20 percent remain in businesses just two years later.”
LCEC Energy Advisor Todd Hodges talked about generator safety. “Don’t shortcut on the safe factor,” he said. That includes using old extension cords. LCEC can help with generator safety, he noted, and cautioned the best route would be to consult a professional on hurricane electrical planning.
Treasure Hunt to be held throughout area
A kickoff for the Chamber’s Great Community Treasure Hunt and a networking event will be held Tuesday, June 29 at Tucker Vision Center
The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the office of Dr. Terry Tucker, at Tucker Vision Center, 88 Pine Island Rd. #3.
The Treasure Hunt itself starts July 1, and involves area businesses, maps, clues, riddles driven through the Chamber’s new website. It will culminate in a free community barbecue July 31 at the Shell Factory.
There will be prizes, including a $500 shopping spree at Publix, a free monthly electric bill from LCEC, a membership and gas card from BJ’s Wholesale Club, back-to-school-savings and more in the event. Participants will visit area businesses in the hunt.
For information on any chamber event and participate in the Treasure Hunt, go to nfmchamber.org or call 997-9111.