Small Business Protection
At least one-fourth of all businesses that close because of a disaster never reopen. Small businesses are especially vulnerable, because few of them have the resources or knowledge to assess disaster risks and develop comprehensive mitigation and recovery plans. That's why the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers a variety of tools in its Open for Business ® series for small business owners to both reduce their potential for loss should disaster strike and to reopen quickly should they be forced to close.
Open for Business ® Internet based, interactive property protection and planning tool »
This Internet-based Open for Business ® Interactive Planner is exclusively for IBHS member insurers' small business customers to help them create and confidentially store property protection and recovery plans.
Open for Business ® Toolkit »
Open for Business ® is a comprehensive disaster planning toolkit booklet. The easy-to-use guide helps business owners reduce the potential for loss should disaster strike, and reopen quickly should they be forced to close. This creates a savings for the business, and also benefits the employees and customers who rely on it.
Open for Business ® includes an assessment tool that helps the business determine its susceptibility to natural disasters wherever it has facilities and provides information to minimize damage. The toolkit also includes materials to help organize the business’ critical information and review its essential operations, both of which lead to development of a continuity plan.
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Open for Business ® – Disaster Plan Folder
The Open for Business ® - Disaster Plan Folder contains planning advice inside and out and can hold important papers such as leases, insurance papers, contact lists and more. Putting important resources and documents together before disaster strikes can save time and money when the materials are needed.
Request a free single copy by writing to info@ibhs.org or calling 1 (866) 657-IBHS (4247).
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Getting Back to Business »
A Guide for the Small Business Owner Following Disaster
This guide contains important steps for business owners to use when reporting losses, assessing damages and returning to business. It also contains a list of questions to ask your insurer and a resource list of organizations that can assist in business recovery issues. View the Getting Back to Business brochure here or request a free single copy by writing to info@ibhs.org or calling 1 (866) 657-IBHS (4247).
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Commercial Water Damage Series
Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping: Commercial Water Damage Prevention
Grounds maintenance and landscaping are major components of the interconnected systems that work together to protect a commercial building from water damage. In sometimes unexpected ways these outdoor activities and elements can have sudden and extreme impact on the building itself. This quick guide will draw your attention to the visible - and often invisible - forces and hazards associated with grounds maintenance and landscape plantings. These tips, reminders and warning signs of potential problems will help you keep your building safe from water damage.
The Building Envelope: Commercial Water Damage Prevention
All buildings are different, but each is at risk for water damage. From a minor roof leak to violently destructive hurricanes, any unwanted water intrusion can significantly impact the value of a commercial property. Protecting the roofs, walls, windows, and other components of 'the envelope', is essential to reducing the likelihood of water damage.
HVAC Systems: Commercial Water Damage Prevention
Proper operation and maintenance of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to reducing the risk of water damage to a commercial building. And, while every building is unique, and HVAC systems vary, this brief guide includes all of the basics you need to establish a solid Operations and Maintenance plan to help protect your building.
