We all have said it at one time or another, and mean it
to varying degrees: Charlotte County is a wonderful area
to live and do business. However, our little piece of paradise,
as we all know, does come with its price, hurricane season.
Your
Economic Development Office, in its continuing effort to
support our businesses, regularly updates and sends out
the Business Partners Disaster Preparedness and Continuity
Guide. Originally sent out to businesses in the aftermath
of Hurricane Charley, it is an annual tradition to send
this information-packed resource to new businesses in our
community.
The
guide was developed specifically for Charlotte County business
owners to familiarize themselves with the content, and fill
out the forms included in the guide knowing their business
information is safe and convenient.
The
guide is also helpful in outlining what actions may be taken
to minimize the disruptive effects of a disaster, in understanding
the differing roles and responsibilities of government and
business owners in private sector disaster recovery, and
providing the information needed to develop a comprehensive
business disaster continuity guide.
Also
explained in the guide is the role the EDO plays as the
coordinating agency for the State of Florida Small Business
Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which is designed to help
businesses recover from a natural or manmade disaster in
Charlotte County. Crucial to this effort, if and when the
need arises, is being able to contact you.
Hence,
one major addition to the guide is an online registry developed
for businesses to register, which includes contact information,
should the need arise. Businesses are encouraged to register
now; please do not wait until the last moment to do so.
Included
in this guide is invaluable contact information for emergency
shelters, local and state agencies, utilities, radio and
television stations, hospitals and clinics, grocery and
hardware stores, and more. Also included in the guide is
a week-by-week hurricane kit shopping list spread out over
12 weeks, so start your shopping soon.
Lastly,
the EDO has put together a compact, business card-sized
Go Box
list. This card comes with the guide; please make sure you
get it and have the "go box" filled and ready
to go out the door.
It
is natural and human to hope for a quiet hurricane season,
but it is responsible and commendable to prepare your business
in the event of an emergency.
Betty Williams is economic development director for
the Charlotte County Economic Development Office (www.PureEconomics.org).
You can call her at (941) 627-3023 or e-mail her at PureEconomics@charlottecountyfl.com.
