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Business
Preparedness Planning for Your Business
Business and their staff face a variety of Hazards:
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Natural hazards like floods, winter storms, and earthquakes.
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Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu.
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Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence.
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Technology-related hazards like power outages, cyber-attacks and equipment failure.
There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards. The FEMA Ready Business program helps business leaders make a preparedness plan to get ready for these hazards.
Ready Business Toolkits
The Ready Business Toolkit series includes hazard-specific versions for earthquake, inland flooding and power outage. Toolkits offer business leaders a step-by-step guide to build preparedness within an organization. Each toolkit contains the following sections:
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Identify Your Risk
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Develop A Plan
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Take Action
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Be Recognized and Inspire Others
Earthquake "QuakeSmart" Toolkit
Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes occur without warning and cannot be predicted. It is important that you understand your risk, develop preparedness and mitigation plans, and take action.
QuakeSmart Ready Business Toolkit
Inland Flooding Toolkit
Most of the United States is at some risk for flooding, so it is important that organizations, businesses, and community groups understand the potential impacts.
Inland Flooding Ready Business Toolkit
Power Outage Toolkit
While a Power Outage may not seem as dangerous as an earthquake or flood, they can still cause damage to homes, businesses and communities.
Power Outage Ready Business Toolkit
Ready Business Videos
The Ready Business Program provides leaders with the tools to plan, take action, and become a Ready Business. The program addresses several key parts of getting ready, including Staff, Surroundings, Physical Space, Building Construction, Systems, and Service. These videos briefly explain some of the concepts.
Staff/Employee Management Video
Program Management
Leadership and Commitment
The preparedness program is built on a foundation of management leadership, commitment and financial support. Without management commitment and financial support, it will be difficult to build the program, maintain resources and keep the program up to date.
Invest in a Preparedness Program
It is important to invest in a preparedness program. The following are good reasons:
- Up to 40% of business affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. (Source: Insurance Information Institute)
- Customers expect delivery of products or services on time. If there is a significant delay, customers may go to a competitor.
- Larger businesses are asking their suppliers about preparedness. They want to make sure that their supply chain is not interrupted. Failure to implement a preparedness program risks losing business to competitors who can demonstrate they have a plan.
- Insurance is only a partial solution. It does not cover all losses and it will not replace customers.
- Many disasters - natural or human-caused - may overwhelm the resources of even the largest public agencies. Or they may not be able to reach every facility in time.
- News travels fast and perceptions often differ from reality. Business need to reach out to customers and other stakeholders quickly.
- An Ad Council survey reported that nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents said they do not have an emergency plan in place for their business.
- According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses:
- Represent 99.7% of all employer firms
- Employ about half of all private sector employees
- Have generated 65% of net new jobs over the past 17 years
- Made up 97.5% of all identified exporters.
How much should be invested in a preparedness program depends upon many factors. Regulations establish minimum requirements and beyond these minimums each business needs to determine how much risk it can tolerate. Many risks cannot be insured, so a preparedness program may be the only means of managing those risk. Some risk can be reduced by investing in loss prevention program, protection systems and equipment. An understanding of the likelihood and severity of risk and the costs to reduce risk is needed to make decisions.
Preparedness Policy
A preparedness policy that is consistent with the mission and vision of the business should be written and disseminated by management. The policy should define roles and responsibilities. It should authorize selected employees to develop the program and keep it current. The policy should also define the goals and objectives of the program. Typical goals of the preparedness program include:
- Protect the safety of employees, visitors, contractors and others at risk from hazards at the facility. Plan for persons with disabilities and functional needs.
- Maintain customer services by by minimizing interruptions or disruptions of business operations
- Protect facilities, physical assets and electronic information
- Prevent environmental contamination
- Protect the organization's brand, image and reputation
Program Committee and Program Coordinator
Key employees should be organized as a program committee that will assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of the preparedness program. A program coordinator should be appointed to lead the committee and guide the development of the program and communicate essential aspects of the plan to all employees so they can participate in the preparedness effort. Find more information on Program Committees and Program Coordinators HERE.
Program Administration
The preparedness program should be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the current needs of the business. Keep records on file for easy access. Lastly, where applicable, make note of any laws, regulations and other requirements that may have changed. Find more information on program administration HERE.
Helping Kids Prepare and Respond in Emergencies
Preparing for emergencies shouldn't just be done by the adults in your family. Young children and teens alike need to be part of the process — for their own safety and sense of empowerment.
Some disasters strike without any warning, and family members may not all be in the same place.
How will you get in touch with each other?
Where will you meet?
How will you get out of your house in case of a fire?
What if your neighborhood is being evacuated?
BEFORE a disaster strikes Make A Plan
- Pick the same person for each family member to call or email. It might be easier to reach someone who's out of town.
- Text, don't talk, unless it's an emergency. It may be easier to send a text, if you have a phone, and you don't want to tie up phone lines for emergency workers.
- Create a fire escape plan that has two ways out of every room and practice it twice a year.
- Choose a meeting spot near your home, then practice getting there.
- Choose a spot outside of your neighborhood in case you can't get home. Practice getting there from school, your friends' house, and after school activities.
- Keep your family's contact info and meeting spot location in your backpack, wallet, or taped inside your school notebook. Put it in your cell phone if you have one.
It's important to make a plan now so that you will know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. 
- Work together to build an emergency supply kit.
- Sit down as a family to talk about your communications plan.
- Role-play what you would do during a disaster. Review and practice your evacuation routes if you live in a tsunami zone.
- Develop a home fire escape plan and hold fire drills in your house.
Responding to an emergency is one thing ... what's the best way to respond to your child during or after a disaster?
Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with emotions.
You are their biggest influence. When you can manage your own feelings, you can make disasters less traumatic for your kids.
Emergency Supply Kit Checklists
Planning kit for Parents or Kids
Planning kit for Parents or Kids
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) Emergency Action Plan
Do not telephone the school. Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.
It is important to complete the sign-out process when picking up students at school. We would like to avoid the possibility of sending emergency responders into a dangerous situation looking for a missing student that simply left without checking out. We also want to maintain accurate information about students that have checked out in case another family member is looking for them. An emergency card is required to be filled out by parents at the beginning of every school year.
Impress upon your child the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency. Please familiarize yourself with the school Emergency Action Plan and discuss these matters with your immediate family. Planning ahead will help alleviate concern and allow us to maintain a calm and organized response in the event of emergency.
The decision to keep students at school will be based upon a variety of factors. If this occurs, radio stations will be notified. Turn your radio to KPEN 102.3 FM, KWAVE 104.9 AM, KSRM 920 AM, KBBI 890 AM or KDLL 91.9 FM for emergency announcements.
Since local telephone service may be disrupted, list an out-of-state contact on the emergency card since calls may still be made out of the area while incoming calls are affected.
In the event of a major emergency, your district schools will need the assistance of community members. Supplies will be needed to provide for the children and volunteers will be needed to assist with clean up and the care and shelter of the children until they are picked up by a designated family member or friend. We would encourage you to consider the possibility of serving as an emergency volunteer.
KPBSD School Safety Protocol website
Pets and Animals
Preparing for emergencies should include preparing for your pets.
Make a Plan
Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, develop your plan and get them ready today.
If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured – or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.
Plan options include:
- Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
- Identify evacuation destination for your pet. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
- Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
- Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current and keep records in your go kit.
- If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger!
Tips for Large Animals
If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.
- Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
- Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
- Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
- Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
- If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.
Take extra time to observe livestock, looking for early signs of disease and injury. Severe cold-weather injuries or death primarily occur in the very young or in animals that are already debilitated.
Animals suffering from frostbite don’t exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.
Make sure your livestock has the following to help prevent cold-weather problems:
- Plenty of dry bedding to insulate vulnerable udders, genitals and legs from the frozen ground and frigid winds
- Windbreaks to keep animals safe from frigid conditions
- Plenty of food and water
Build a Kit
Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list, or download Pet Emergency Go Kit to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be ready.
- Food. At least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Water. At least three days of water specifically for your pets.
- Medicines and medical records.
- Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
- First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea too.
- Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash.
- Crate or pet carrier. Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Sanitation. Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.
- A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
- Familiar items. Familiar items, such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.
Subcategories
OEM Sidebar
Emergency Management Director
Scott Walden
907-262-2097
Secretary
Janelle Hames
907-262-2096
Administrative Assistant
Bonnie Hanson
907-262-2095
Program Coordinator
Vacant
907-262-2098
We conducted a comprehensive survey of residents to improve boroughwide services to the public. Thousands participated in the survey by answering our questions and providing valuable comments. Your documented comments and feedback are directly helping guide improvements to road service and the many other roles the borough plays on the Kenai. We will continue to ensure that KPB residents receive quality services that they pay for at the lowest cost possible.
We have placed ourselves in the shoes of the taxpayer. Under the Micciche administration, for the first time in a decade, a balanced boroughwide budget was passed by the assembly. We accomplished this while reducing your mill rate (property taxes). Prior to my administration, the previous two years saw a 16% increase in the KPB budget. The Micciche administration’s overall budget increased by only 2.55%. The general fund budget was also reduced from last year’s and, leading by example, my Mayor’s Department budget decreased as well.
Working with the Kenai Peninsula School District, we are helping to bolster and improve home-school options. Trying to see things through the eyes of home-school parents, students and families helps us be responsive to the 30% of our students who are home-schooled. It is imperative that we understand and meet their needs.
We are working to make KPB Emergency Services as efficient as possible to better serve the people of the Kenai. Our view and current national practices demonstrate that combined regional services are far more efficient, and effective, and are provided at a lower cost to taxpayers than many smaller service areas. We also procured and distributed life-saving extrication equipment for our emergency responders to help them meet the highway rescue challenges faced in rural areas of the borough.
We updated and implemented anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies to ensure the safety of KPB employees and protect taxpayers from legal and settlement costs. This includes a confidential reporting system, a mixed-gender review panel, and improved public official bonding requirements to protect the borough from financial liability.
We responded in record time to condemn and remove the collapsing Zipmart building in Sterling, which had become a serious hazard to children and youth in a location right next to the elementary school and the community center.
We created a limited-in-scope ordinance that will update and clarify borough code regarding KPB elections. These changes will ensure that our elections continue to be safe, secure, transparent and accurate. A few of the improvements this ordinance will make include giving more information to the public about when the canvass board meets, requiring the hand-counting of ballots in at least one randomly selected precinct even in the absence of any discrepancies, creating a clear process for write-in candidates, and adding additional and improved viewing areas for citizen election observers.
We are tackling long-standing issues within the borough in partnership with KPB constituents, local governments and state and federal agencies. These issues include K-Beach and Eastern Peninsula flooding, KPB housing shortages (particularly in the southern and eastern Kenai Peninsula), rural emergency services support, and communication service gaps. We are also mitigating the overregulation of our citizens through common-sense solutions in partnership with those we serve within the KPB.
We awarded 44 capital improvement and professional services design contracts, as well as servicing pass-through funding to the private sector and non-profit grant recipients for services ranging from senior citizen programs to community groups. Funded projects include the new Central Emergency Service station, the new Soldotna Elementary School, CPH and SPH hospital projects, Eastway Road drainage improvements, the replacement of siding on Homer Elementary School, and many others.
We made improvements to KPB Solid Waste Management to reduce the enormous cost increases in that department that have occurred in previous years. We have reopened reuse areas, such as the “Sterling Mall” and are evaluating how to further reduce storing marketable materials in perpetuity in our landfills. The team is also evaluating the most efficient methods to reduce and process regulated leachate to reduce costs to taxpayers.
In accordance with KPB code, senior center funding is redistributed every 10 years after the census is conducted and shows how many seniors currently live in each area of the borough. Many centers had their funding increased through the current formula in the FY24 budget, but several were dramatically reduced. Working with KPB staff, Mayor Micciche created a “hold harmless” solution to fully fund all centers and to ensure that none of our seniors will go without critical services. The “hold harmless” solution passed the assembly unanimously.
We have created open lines of communication so that all citizens can participate in our efforts to challenge how the KPB does business through common-sense solutions to long-standing, inefficient practices. Government is known for falling into ruts of inefficiency. By working with you, we are challenging each department to break out of long-standing ruts and take the fast road of maximum efficiency. In other words, we seek to provide quality services at the lowest cost to the taxpayer with an objective to keep the KPB affordable today, tomorrow, and for our kids and grandkids.
