How Do I Prepare for a Fire?

Many companies offer discounted fire insurance rates when security or sprinkler systems are installed in your building. If you need to file a claim after a fire, the following suggestions can help:

• Create (and regularly update) a written inventory of the contents of your business.
• Videotape or photograph the contents of your business.
• Engrave larger equipment (servers, photocopiers, etc.) with identifying marks.
• Photograph or videotape the exterior of your building from several angles.
• Have special equipment appraised.
• Keep your insurance policy, inventory, appraisals, photos and videotape records in a secondary location, such as a fire-proof safe or safety-deposit box.
• Keep other important documents and electronic materials (such as server logs) in a secondary location.

Also, remember to update your records periodically — set a specific date each year to review the inventory list and other records.

Creating a Safe Environment
In addition to having the proper fire insurance, it is important to know the steps to prevent fires in your business. From building fires to forest wildfires, prevention starts with knowing the threats.

• Familiarize yourself with the buildings around your business. Are there businesses or buildings more highly prone to fire around you?
• Sprinklers typically reduce chances of fire-related deaths and property loss by one-half to two-thirds. Find out if your neighbors have sprinklers.
• Contact your local fire department to have your building inspected for fire code compliance.

Both direct and indirect threats can be controlled through the creation of a safe environment:

• Working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and escape plans are absolutely necessary for the prevention & survival of building fires.
• A safety zone can protect your building from wildfires. To create a safety zone, make sure your building is separated from flammable materials (like vegetation, refuse or lumber), either by dirt, concrete or other non-flammable material.
• Remember to have fire drills and practice your evacuation plan at least twice a year.

The Good and Bad of Sprinkler Systems
A properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler system can save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire.

However, sprinkler systems can also destroy important equipment and documents—and lead to mold and corrosion that can permanently damage your business. Because of this, water damage restoration and dehumidification are important factors in business recovery after a fire. Learn more about dehumidification and controlling water-damage.

Remember These 3 Steps:
To better prepare yourself for a fire:

• Discuss with your insurance agent what's covered in your existing policy.
• Refer to the preparation guidelines outlined above and on the Smoke Damage page.
• Consider a membership to Agility's ReadySuite.

Agility's ReadySuite: A Complete Mobile Recovery Unit
A membership with Agility's ReadySuite ensures you have a mobile office to keep your business running, even if your physical space is completely destroyed. You're provided with emergency space and equipment, including computers, servers, and satellite telephone and internet link-ups—all within 48 hours of an emergency declaration.

Stay Connected With Customers—Before They Connect With Someone Else
If your business is destroyed, insurance will pay to rebuild it. But how do you maintain operations while rebuilding? Most customers won't wait in the interim: they'll take their business elsewhere.

ReadySuite is a simple, turn-key solution that lets you continue operations without interruption, regardless of the circumstance. Take the guesswork out of ensuring business continuity in the wake of a disaster. With ReadySuite, continuity and peace of mind can be yours. All for an affordable $275 a month.

ReadySuite Is Virtually Risk-Free
If there ever was an event, most business interruption insurance policies will cover the cost of ReadySuite. (Verify that's the case with your provider.) That makes ReadySuite a virtually risk-free way to ensure your business survival.

Call to learn why ReadySuite has a 100% success rate—and how its mobile recovery solutions can be applied to your business. Your call will be returned in one business day.

Be prepared in the event of any disaster—natural or otherwise. Learn more about Agility's ReadySuite.

Other Resources

Business.gov's public resources for small businesses: www.business.gov/topics/research_resources

The United States Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov

The American Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration: www.osha.gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov

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