Disasters

When one considers that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990's compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds There is a definite need for emergency planning and coordination in business and organizations in the event of natural disasters or a mass pandemic, starting with the implementation of a data base of employees. According to Homeland Security Council “The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a pandemic on the scale of the 1918 outbreak could result in a loss of 5 percent of gross domestic product, or a loss of national income of about $600 billion”. These figures don’t account for the loss of income from employees and the financial strain on their families.

The Time Is Now!

America's businesses form the backbone of the nation's economy; small businesses alone account for more than 99% of all companies with employees, employ 50% of all private sector workers and provide nearly 45% of the nation's payroll. If businesses are ready to survive and recover, the nation and our economy are more secure. A commitment to planning today will help support employees, customers, the community, the local economy and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Storms In The Southern States Are We Ready!

Businesses in New England, given the frequencies of hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, severe flooding, and those at threat for a mass pandemic should take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly. Every company should work to implement a central database they can refer to - in the event that an emergency should arise. The age old saying goes, ‘hope for the best, but prepare for the worst”.

Tornado damage

LAFAYETTE, Tenn. - Residents in five Southern states tried to salvage what they could Wednesday from homes reduced to piles of debris, a day after the deadliest cluster of tornadoes in nearly a decade tore through the region, snapping trees and crumpling homes. At least 50 people were dead. Twenty-six people were killed in Tennessee, 13 killed in Arkansas, seven killed in Kentucky and four killed in Alabama, emergency officials said. Among the victims were Arkansas parents who died with their 11-year-old daughter in Atkins when they stayed behind to calm their horses. The community, one of the hardest hit, is a town of about 3,000 approximately 60 miles northwest of Little Rock.

Mass Pandemic Planning

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak the disease spreads easily person-to-person and can cause serious illness, in many cases death may result. A pandemic can spread easily very quickly across the country and around the globe in a very small period of time it’s especially virulent. It’s spread by migratory birds. It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans. Like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in these events. People also can reduce the impact of disasters and sometimes avoid the danger completely. The Spanish Flu of 1918, in which an estimated 20 million people were killed. With the recent increase in world traveling, including travel to virtually all countries; the risk of a major outbreak continues to rise every year.

The Need is Real!!

The need for contingency planning to prepare for a pandemic or natural disaster. This threat will move with a speed that demands advance planning as in the lessons of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks demonstrate the importance of being prepared. When you also consider that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990's compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds.

I'm working on my a Masters Thesis to complete my studies at Cambridge College this project will hopefully help others during an emergency in the event of a natural disaster or mass pandemic. The information gathered and obtained in this blog maybe helpful in the future to assist companies to service their customers needs and keep employees safe. Any information to help this process will be greatly appreciated I'm looking forward to your comments.