Disasters happen, but businesses can plan for them.
Business owners will have the chance to prepare during a series of seminars coming to Baltimore County.
“Disasters cannot always be anticipated and often hit with little or no warning,” Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said Friday. “It’s important that businesses act immediately to restore and maintain their operations.”
The seminars, hosted by the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Community College of Baltimore County, will emphasize the importance of establishing and testing specific emergency plans.
When Hurricane Isabel hit Baltimore four years ago, businesses had to deal with flood damage quickly, but many did not have sufficient evacuation plans or computer back-up systems, Smith said.
“In the aftermath of Isabel, we learned how important it is to be prepared,” he said. “With these collaborations I am confident that Baltimore County is more prepared than ever for an emergency.”
But a disaster does not to be a Category 5 hurricane to cause significant damageto business operations. Even a water shortage or road closing can slow business, said Richard Muth, director of homeland security and emergency management.
The seminars will include first-hand accounts from businesses owners who have dealt with disasters, he said.
A representative from Valley Motors in Cockeysville will speak about a fire that ignited in the shop in 2001.
“Disasters happen every day,” said Richard Webb, chief executive officer of Atlantic Financial Credit Union.
More information
» Business owners wanting to be prepared for any emergency can pre-register for any of three free seminars conducted by the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Community College of Baltimore County.
Seminars will be held:
» Jan. 24 at the CCBC Hunt Valley Center, Room 120, 11101 McCormick Road
» Feb. 6 at the CCBC Catonsville, Theater Lounge, Q Bldg., 800 S. Rolling Road
» March 14 at CCBC Essex, Recital Hall, E. Bldg., 7201 Rossville Blvd.
Participants must pre-register by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 410-285-9833.
