As reported by The Tampa Tribune (May 2,2007), a fire at one of two Schifino Lee Advertising and PR Company buildings April 2 could easily have doomed the company. Some $250,000 of computers, air conditioners and other office equipment was ruined by the blaze and water damage. “Companies like this rely on two things: people and data,” co-owner Ben Lee told the Tribune reporter, “We were lucky not to lose either of those that night.” Fortunately, half the firm’s two dozen employees operated from the damaged structure, while the other twelve worked out of a second building that was unaffected.

That was then.  Today, the company, having squeezed into the undamaged building, is thriving anew despite the fire. Thanks to the firm’s disaster plan, which included frequent data backups and offsite storage, Lee observes, the firm lost none of its operating data and past work product, and has since acquired eight new accounts!

Speaking of the importance of small-business disaster planning, Harvey G. Ryland, spokesman for the non-profit Tampa-based Institute for Business and Home Safety told the Tribune that a quarter of all small businesses similarly ravaged never recover. Observing that disasters of the type that befell Schifino Lee are more common than anyone might think, SBOs need to know in advance how to deal with them.  As detailed in the Tribune article, he advises:

• Reviewing insurance coverage, especially business succession plans.
• Keeping employee contact information handy.
• Investing in surge protectors for all office equipment.
• Backing up computer data frequently, and storing the back ups offsite.
• Storing duplicate key business documents and payroll records in fireproof lock boxes.

Plus, from the IBHS Website: The threat of a disaster-related closure is especially great for small businesses because they usually lack the financial resources for recovery, ability to spread their risk across several geographic locations, ready access to alternative suppliers and other advantages that most large organizations possess. Large firms also have an advantage by possessing the resources and expertise necessary to engage in professional disaster and recovery planning.

Speaking from experience with hurricane’s, fire, flood and other disasters, the IBHS’ Ryland concluded his remarks by reciting his company’s working motto: “A community cannot survive a disaster unless its businesses survive a disaster.” Be smart; give yourself that second chance: protect your business. Download a free copy of the Institute’s free disaster planning guide or call the Institute at (813) 286-3400.

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