New IBHS & I.I.I. Infographic Provides Visual Guide to Business Owners Preparing For a Disaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
I.I.I: New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
IBHS: Tiffany O’Shea: (512) 636-7811; toshea@ibhs.org

NEW YORK, September 23, 2015 — A new infographic from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) can help businesses prepare for disasters this National Preparedness Month (NPM). September also marks the peak of hurricane season.

The infographic, “Don’t Let a Storm Blow Away Your Profits; Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season?” outlines crucial steps businesses need to take to protect both their facilities and finances in the event of a natural disaster—including maintaining an up-to-date business inventory and disaster continuity plan; regularly inspecting buildings and equipment; and insuring against both property damage and business disruptions.

“Businesses that plan for a disaster have the best chance of surviving and that starts with identifying the potential risks,”pointed out Loretta Worters, a vice president with the I.I.I. “Large businesses have risk managers but small business owners have to be their own risk managers and, working with their insurance professional, determine the right type and amount of insurance to be able to recover from a disaster.”

“It is also critical for small business owners to create and/or update their business continuity plan and work with employees so they are prepared for the potential effects of a disaster. Taking time to do this now will save money and time later,” said Gail Moraton, IBHS business resiliency manager.

Visit the Business Protection section of the IBHS website and the Business Insurance section of the I.I.I. website for more information.

RELATED IBHS LINKS

• Business Preparedness: OFB-EZ Planning Toolkit, Commercial Natural Hazard Property Protection, FORTIFIED Commercial Construction Standards, Commercial Structure Research

RELATED I.I.I. LINKS

• Facts and Statistics: Commercial Insurance; Hurricane; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Fire; Flood; Tornadoes; and Wildfires.
• Articles: When Disaster Strikes: Preparation, Response and Recovery; Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?; Does My Business Need Earthquake Insurance?; Does My Business Need Terrorism Insurance?

OTHER RESOURCES

• National Flood Insurance Program
• Small Business Administration

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

IBHS’ mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.

About the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org