Monday, December 7, 2009 2:27 pm

MURFREESBORO — Following an electrical fire that broke out in the restroom of the local Heart of Tennessee Chapter early Sunday morning, the Red Cross would like to remind other businesses to prepare for disasters. The fire was contained within the restroom but destroyed the ceiling and damaged the restroom causing the chapter to shut down Blood Services from collecting blood for two days.

“We were very fortunate the fire wasn’t any worse because it could have caused some major damage,” said Red Cross CEO Greg King. “Local businesses should definitely have a plan in place of how to continue operations after a disaster such as a fire, flood or tornado.”

Businesses should not risk operating without a disaster plan. While reports vary, as many as 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster like a flood, tornado or earthquake. These shattered businesses were unprepared for a disaster and they had no plan or backup systems. A disaster plan should consider three subjects: human resources, physical resources, and business continuity.

“So often we respond to fires in the community that it was a role reversal when the fire was actually in our building, “King said. “Our Continuity of Operations Plan, helped us respond quickly with minimal interruption to our operations.”

For additional information and a brochure about how to develop business continuity plan as well as other resources contact the Heart of Tennessee Chapter via e-mail at chapter@hot-redcross.org or click on the following link.

Prep Your Business For The Unthinkable