5 Ways to Identify Risks Before Disaster Strikes
Given the glut of extreme weather in the last few years, facilities managers are understandably concerned about identifying and correcting risks and liabilities prior to a disaster. They need a template for risk assessment which they can follow to the letter and keep their facilities as protected as possible. Be it a hurricane, flood or blizzard, inclement weather can greatly disrupt your operations. We at Cherry Logistics understand the need for preparedness, which is why we have composed this list of five ways to identify your facilities’ risks and liabilities before a disaster.
1.Identify the Critical Functions/Utilities of Each Facility
The best way to keep each of your facilities protected from a disaster is to determine in advance the critical function of each facility and the exact utilities which are required in order to keep this function operating. Meet with your teams from each facility to assess what systems failure would completely shut down business, and then identify the tools and utilities that control the system. Facilities managers have little control in general over the utility distribution system outside their facilities, but often these utility loops create redundant systems that can provide a backup during a disaster. Go over your site plans and know how to access these systems. Also, umbrella insurance coverage is helpful in the event that any of your utilities are permanently damaged.
2.Identify Technical Threats
An internal network of computers is what keeps pretty much every modern business running. It’s simultaneously the heart and brain of your business. Prepare for power loss or disruption by having plans in place for a failure of system or application software, or a malfunction of the CPU due to power surge. Have numerous backups in place and make sure they are surge protected in the event of a storm. That last thing you want is to lose data because of weather. Also, give your employees access to two-way radios and cell phones so communication is never lost. API ongkos kirim
3.Identify Single-Point Failures
A key point of risk assessment in construction is keeping track of single-point failures or bottlenecks. These are points along your operations wherein an interruption can stop the flow of business entirely. Identify as many of these bottlenecks as you can and, if possible, eliminate them. If the single-point failure could shut down your company, try and find an alternative method. It’s not always simple, but in a facilities crisis, it’s vital to have options.
4.Identify Structural Weaknesses
Your facility itself can take immense punishment during a storm or disaster. Go over the exterior of your facility to look for exposed ventilation, damaged or cracked surfaces, and any plants or trees which could damage your facility if they were to fall. Also identify internal structural weaknesses such as supporting walls or pillars. Physical damage to the facility itself is often where recovery costs skyrocket. Risk management courses can also offer many valuable tips in this area.
5.Identify Critical Supplies and Contact Numbers
As a facilities manager, you know what supplies your employees need to do their job and stay protected during a disaster. Make sure all emergency supplies and equipment are accounted for, and take regular inventory to make sure nothing gets lost. Consider that a technical failure can lead to temporary or permanent loss of contact information if backups fail. Be sure to keep a physical record of all your most important numbers.
Every facilities manager hopes their facility will be able to avoid a disaster, but this factor is unfortunately out of their control. What they can control is their preparedness and how they will respond in the event of such an emergency. By following our template for risk assessment, facilities managers can be confident that their site will weather the storm.
