PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CRISIS

Few signs of the January ice storm remain. The branches have been collected. The date to register for federal assistance has expired. But are you and your business ready for the next crisis? Keep in mind that 43 percent of businesses closed during a catastrophic disaster never re-open, and 51 percent fail within two years! Earthquake in the Heartland is generally considered to have a low probability -- with a high impact. Given the November earthquakes that occurred in Kansas (2.3 and 3.2) and Nebraska (4.3) immediately preceding the Alaska earthquake, and the history of damaging earthquakes in the Region every 45-65 years, we need to be prepared. In this talk Sue L. Evers, APR, will discuss lessons learned from disasters and how you can prepare to survive your next disaster. Evers is a Natural Hazards Specialist in the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency - Region VII. From providing accurate and timely information to your employees and clients, to incorporating local research into your community's HAZUS loss estimation and mitigation planning, to developing a Business (and Family) Disaster Plan, Evers will review the steps you need to take to help you, your community and your business get through the next disaster.