Is your business prepared for the next emergency? A free American Red Cross of Alaska program helps your workplace prepare for the unexpected.

• Author: Smith, Michael
• Position: Able to Handle Emergencies and Disasters program

The American Red Cross of Alaska works very hard to provide services to Alaskans in need-particularly those affected by disasters-and it is a pleasure to do my part in making our state a stronger, safer place to live. Equally exciting is our chapter's commitment to continually reexamine the ways in which our organization meets the needs of those we serve. During 2003, the American Red Cross of Alaska drew up plans to expand our current community disaster education outreach and begin focusing on how we can support the safety and preparedness efforts of our business community. As the organization that the American public looks toward in times of need, it is our responsibility to best prepare our communities for emergency situations before they happen. With this vision in mind, the American Red Cross of Alaska-in partnership with Conoco-Phillips Alaska Inc. and the Municipality of Anchorage-has developed Think AHEAD (Able to Handle Emergencies and Disasters), an innovative and proactive approach to emergency preparedness in the workplace.

RISKY BUSINESS

It is unfortunate that so many members of management stick their head in the sand when urged to make time for workplace preparedness. Some task or project always seems to take priority over planning for what might never happen. Yet, I am amazed at the gravity of disaster-related workplace statistics. A staggering 25 percent of businesses that temporarily close after a natural disaster never have a chance to reopen their doors. According to a study by the Public Entity Risk Institute, of those small-businesses owners that are able to reopen, many spend significant amounts of their own monies to stay afloat for several years, then eventually close--permanently and penniless. Smaller scale disasters, such as fire, occur more often one business catches fire in the United States every five minutes, according to Chubb Insurance), but are no less forgiving. Ninety percent of businesses that catch fire suffer catastrophic losses, and 40 percent never reopen. Considering these statistics as they apply to the contiguous states, we, as Alaskans, must also take into account the delay in resources--both human and material--reaching us in the wake of any emergency, and the proportionate need for advanced planning.

I may be painting a rather bleak picture; however, success stories related to business preparedness are reassuring and inspiring. I recently spoke with a member of our business community working at...