According to the Tampa-based Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IIBHS), at least one-quarter of small businesses impacted by a natural disaster never reopen. The smallest of small businesses (i.e. enterprises with fewer than 10 employees) are especially vulnerable, because few have the resources or knowledge needed to assess disaster risks and develop comprehensive mitigation and recovery plans. Still fewer know where to go to access such tools.
The IIBHS offers a variety of tools in its Open for BusinessTM program for small business owners. This program not only reduces potential disaster loses but also assists businesses to reopen quickly should disaster strike.
The ICLR has entered into an agreement with IIBHS to employ some of these strategies in Canada. These strategies are listed in the downloads section below.
You may also request a FREE Open...for BusinessTM package - consisting of a pamphlet, disaster planning folder and guide - by writing to info@iclr.org or calling (416) 364-8677.
ICLR’s Open for BusinessTM program is comprised of a comprehensive disaster planning toolkit which helps business owners reduce the potential for loss should disaster strike, and reopen quickly should they be forced to close. This creates a savings for the business and its insurers, and also benefits employees and customers who rely on it.
Open for BusinessTM Folder
The Open for BusinessTM disaster plan folder contains planning advice inside and out and can hold important papers such as leases, insurance policies, contact lists and more. Putting important resources and documents together before disaster strikes can save time and money when the materials are needed. Alternatively, users may download and print the equivalent electronic checklist.
The Open for BusinessTM Guide contains important steps for business owners to take when reporting losses, assessing damages and returning to business. It also contains a list of questions to ask the insurer of the business and a resource list of organizations that can assist in business recovery issues.