This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
By Tara Palacios and EmilyJane McLoughlin
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster.
Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, something like a broken pipe that causes a leak can be catastrophic to a business. Even a small fire can lead to water damage, therefore we are asking the question, is your business waterproof?
The Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) has kicked off a new Public-Private Partnership initiative to engage the Arlington County business community and support overall community resilience.
This initiative will support the business community developing resilience as individual businesses and as a part of a larger whole community effort. DPSCEM is partnering with BizLaunch to hold a webinar entitled “Is Your Business Waterproof?”at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30 to help businesses take steps to get back to work faster and talk more about the initiative.
EmilyJane McLoughlin, the department’s Regional Emergency Management Planner is spearheading these efforts. She brings continuity planning expertise from her time working with FEMA’s National Continuity Programs Directorate.
She explains, “…the value of this program cannot be understated. Today’s best practice for whole community resilience focuses on ensuring the economic base can stay in business or get back to it quickly.” It is with this in mind that the program was created.
As the first public engagement opportunity for the initiative, the webinar will address simple steps businesses can take to be ready for all types of disasters, even small ones like water damage.
The tools that will be offered during the webinar will make it easier for businesses and their employees to get back on their feet and get back to work. If you are interested to attend the Webinar you can register here.
If you can’t join us for the webinar, please email EmilyJane McLoughlin at [email protected] for more information about the Public-Private Partnership initiative.