Editor’s note: The following was submitted by City of St. Cloud Fire Marshal David Ennis, with information gathered from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Business owners should be prepared for hurricanes and other disasters such as fire, flood, tornadoes, or terrorist attacks. The number of disasters, such as tornadoes and floods, has increased. This also is expected to be an active hurricane season. For businesses to survive, business owners must be prepared. Some tips to follow in preparing for emergencies include:

Be informed: Check local conditions and set up preparations that may be needed.

Plan ahead: Have resources available in case of a disaster. Determine which employees, materials, equipment, and procedures are needed to continue operations. Decide which employees should put plans together.

Plan for employees: An employee is the most valuable asset, therefore communication between employer and employee is most important before and after a disaster. Ensure employees know the emergency plan, keep them informed, and maintain communications at and away from the job. Employers should also be aware of the special needs of employees with disabilities.

Acquire emergency supplies: Have the basics for survival, such as food, water, medicine, toiletries, battery-operated lights and radio. If employees remain at the place of business, consider having blankets and cots available. Keep on hand plastic tarps, tape, tools, trash bags, dust masks, and other materials for clean-up or protection of products. Have a waterproof, fire resistant container for important documents.

Plan to stay or go: Depending on individual circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether to stay or evacuate. Everyone should understand and plan for both possibilities in advance. Have a plan for sheltering in place and if specifically instructed by officials to evacuate, shelter in place, or seek medical treatment, then please do so.

Make an evacuation plan: Some disasters will require employees to evacuate; have a plan in place, including alternate routes.

Practice fire safety: Fire is the most common of all business disasters. All businesses should be inspected for fire safety. Ensure compliance with regulations and make sure extinguishers are up to date and readily available. Good housekeeping is the best fire prevention - clean clutter and do not block exits. Plan and practice how to escape a fire.

Prepare for medical emergencies: Encourage employees to take basic first aid and CPR classes, keep first-aid supplies in stock and encourage employees to share medical conditions that may require special care in an emergency.

Review plans annually: Due to situations and employees changing, emergency plans should be reviewed on an annual basis at a minimum. Remember the idiom “Practice Makes Perfect.”

St. Cloud Fire Rescue personnel encourage business owners to prepare for emergencies. Personnel are available to offer presentations about emergencies to employers and employees, including topics such as fire safety and fire-extinguisher training. For more information, call 407-957-8488. More emergency preparation guidance is available at www.ready.gov.