Town of Fort Myers Beach

...being prepared is everyone’s business

Tips for Business Owners

Emergencies not only affect residents but can have
significant impact on the business community as well.  The Town of Fort Myers Beach has hundreds of small businesses, along with a large number of hotels, motels and restaurants.  Business owners/operators must
engage in emergency planning so they can get back into operations as soon as possible following an emergency. 

IT’S GOOD SENSE AND GOOD BUSINESS TO HAVE A PLAN.

For your employees:

* A telephone communication plan so that employees can call and get information from you and record information regarding their status.  The more you know about the status of your employees, the quicker you’ll be back in  business.

* Evacuation procedures, to include emergency transport for those employees who don’t have personal transportation.

* Sheltering-in-place (if necessary) employee work schedules during emergency periods (if applicable), evacuation of your merchandise/stock, records, etc.

* Think about employee wages/incentives during periods of emergencies. 
Periods of emergency can be very stressful times.  Remember, you want employees who want to be on the job.

 

For your visitors in hotels, motels and timeshares:

* Provisions for helping make airline, bus and other reservations to evacuate.

* Provisions to provide emergency transport to the airport, bus terminal, etc.

* If required, instructions for sheltering in place.

* Instructions/help with obtaining emergency supplies if needed.

* Information on tuning in to emergency information networks (radio & TV).

* Provisions for evacuating visitors to emergency shelters.

* Bottled water in the event potable water service is interrupted.

 

For your non-English speaking employees:

* Ensure non-English speaking employees are kept up-to-date with information and the plan for your business during emergencies, and provide special assistance during evacuations, sheltering-in-place and relocation to an  emergency shelter.