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Naples, FL—When it comes to safety, security, and business interruptions, jewelers typically think of crime prevention first. But it’s equally important to have a plan for other events, both large-scale natural disasters like last year's devastating hurricanes and wildfires, and small-scale local events. Even something as small as a sinkhole on your street or a grease fire in the restaurant next door can impact your business severely, as can sudden illness or injury on the staff.

This article on SmallBizTrends.com outlines a checklist for disaster preparedness. Some key takeaways:

• Identify a first-aid team. Is anyone on your staff certified in CPR?
• Do you have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and are they up to date and working properly?
• Do you have a good evacuation route and do all your employees know what it is? Is it accessible to special-needs employees?
• Are you adequately prepared for flooding? Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, heavy rains combined with melting snow and ice, or a local water main break can produce flooding.
• Do you have a backup generator? In the event of a power outage, a generator can keep vital security equipment running.
• Do you have a chain of command and a current contact list? Training isn't just for sales and product--employees need to know who’s in charge of what during a disaster.

Click here to read SmallBizTrends’ full 21-point checklist.

Top image: SmallBizTrends.com