Wildfires pose a significant threat to businesses, particularly in regions like Colorado, which are prone to such natural disasters. The Waldo Canyon and Black Forest wildfires between 2012 and 2013 were the worst in Colorado Springs’ recent history, destroying more than 800 structures with four fatalities. The Los Angeles fires are more recent testimony.
Taking the time to protect your business for wildfire before, during and after such an event is crucial to being able to continue business operations.
Businesses can proactively craft a roadmap that serves two critical purposes: ensuring the safety of employees and minimizing operational disruptions. Collaborating with local authorities and emergency services is key to creating an effective and comprehensive plan.
Before a Wildfire
Assess your business’ specific risk exposure to wildfire. This includes evaluating your location, surrounding environment and any vulnerabilities your building may have.
Take a video of your building, inside and outside, making sure to include important equipment, furnishings, etc.
Back up all important paperwork digitally, then store it off-premises or on an offsite server. Look at your current business insurance coverage: what is covered in the event of a wildfire? Do you need to update your coverage?
Clearly outline the procedures for you and your employees to follow in case of a wildfire. This should include initial response steps, evacuation protocols and processes for securing critical assets such as laptops, phones, etc.
Establish a reliable communication strategy to keep employees informed. This should detail how you will disseminate information before, during and after a wildfire. Create another communication plan to follow with your customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Map out multiple evacuation routes from your business premises. Wildfires can change direction quickly, so having alternatives is crucial. Ensure that evacuation routes are accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities.
Install clear, visible signs directing people to the evacuation area. In times of panic, these signs can guide employees to safety.
Regularly train your staff on the plan. This includes fire-safety training, evacuation drills and first aid.
Develop strategies to maintain or quickly resume critical operations after a wildfire. This could involve remote working setups, backup suppliers or alternate locations.
Regularly review and update your plan to reflect new risks, changes in the business or lessons learned from past experiences.
During a Wildfire
If a wildfire approaches, pay close attention to guidance from local officials regarding evacuations. If evacuation is not possible, take the following precautions to protect yourself and your employees:
- Clearly mark your position with anything that may signal rescue workers about your presence, such as articles of clothing or bright-colored material attached outside the building.
- Shut off gas meters, pilot lights and propane tanks.
- Turn on all lights in the building to increase visibility in heavy smoke.
- Close all windows, doors, vents and blinds.
- Move to a designated shelter area, such as a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest level of the building.
After a Wildfire
Check in with your employees. Find out how they are doing; let them know your next steps for getting the business operational. Ensure the safety of all employees before allowing anyone to re-enter the building. Wear protective clothing and a mask.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage and start the claims process. Communicate with your customers and stakeholders about the status of your operations and any potential delays. Start implementing your business continuity plan.
Resources
As we enter prime wildfire season in Southern Colorado, stay informed through local channels including the Colorado Springs Fire Department. The CSFD will continue to host Town Halls regarding wildfire preparedness and mitigation in the next few months. The first Town Hall took place in February. Check out https://csfd.coloradosprings.gov/WildfireReady for more information.
Sign up for alerts tailored to your phone’s location at https://elpasoteller911.org/304/Peak-Alerts. The service supports El Paso and Teller counties, and it’s free.
The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM) is responsible for providing mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and coordination for large-scale emergencies and disasters, both natural and human-caused, to residents of El Paso County and Colorado Springs to save lives and prevent property damage. See https://pproem.com, for more.
