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Master the Disaster
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RECOVERY The first step in recovery is damage assessment. A damage assessment team should be assembled and trained as a part of the business disaster plan. The damage assessment team will evaluate the safety of the building and the condition of its contents first, then decide what action is required. If the interior of your building got soaked -- especially if the water covers electrical outlets have the power disconnected. Keep the power off until a qualified electrician can check the wiring. Some equipment, such as televisions, can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Limiting storm or flood damage requires immediate action. After the water is gone, check the building for structural problems. The water could weaken your its structure. Computers and electronic equipment need to be handled with extreme caution. Do not use any electrical or gas equipment that has been submerged in water unless it has been inspected. Move sofas, chairs and carpets outdoors to dry. Do not place them in direct sunlight. If your upholstery is very wet, call professional upholstery cleaners. Remove wood furniture from the water but don't put it outdoors. The sun would do even more damage. For fine wood furniture and antiques, you should call a furniture repair specialist. Recovery and restoration of records damaged in a natural disaster can be difficult and requires immediate action. Saving records is possible if you act quickly. Contact a firm that specializes in recovery of damaged records as soon as possible. If you have business losses in a declared disaster some federal assistance may be available but the process takes a long time. So don't count on the government to bail out your business. |
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