The stated goal of the Private Sector Preparedness (PS-Prep) program is to “promote private sector preparedness, including disaster management, emergency management and business continuity programs.”

PS-Prep evolved out of the challenges and difficulties experienced immediately after the 9/11 attack.  DHS has developed Voluntary Standards for businesses to follow. They have continued to state that these are Voluntary, but as with anything “government,” it is only a matter of time before they make the PS-Prep program mandatory for all private business.
Within the PS-Prep documents is a mechanism for Certifying people and organizations to ensure compliance to the Standard.   What is even more interesting, is some insurance companies I have spoken to, indicate that, as this becomes more mainstream, the insurance companies may insist that a company be “compliant” with the PS-Prep Standards before the insurance company will insure them!  This is also known as: Public Law 110-53

Below is an excerpt taken directly from the FEMA website is a partial list of “how to protect your property or business from disaster’”

Protect Your Property from an Earthquake

·    Anchor Tall Bookcases and File Cabinets

·    Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors

·    Mount Framed Pictures and Mirrors Securely

·    Restrain Desktop Computers and Appliances

Protect Your Property from Fire

·    Remove Intrusive Vegetation and Combustible Materials

·    Replace Roofing with Fire-Resistant Materials

Protect Your Property from Flooding

·    Raise Electrical System Components

·    Raise or Flood-proof HVAC Equipment

·    Install Sewer Backflow Valves

Protect Your Property from High Winds

·    Protect Windows and Doors with Covers

·    Reinforce or Replace Garage Doors

·    Remove Trees and Potential Windborne Missiles

·    Brace Gable End Roof Framing

The most significant aspect of PS-Prep at this time is for commercial property owners and managers to understand that this program is being developed and much of it for a very good reason. Almost 50% of businesses that sustain a major disaster either NEVER RECOVER or if they reopen for business, they go out of business within two years! Because of these brutal facts, and because businesses have so much at stake, (money, family, employees, etc) it should be a wake-up call to commercial property owners / managers to develop a business continuity plan today.

Your Plan needs to include a relationship with a “First Responder” disaster restoration company that can be there within a short period of time to help minimize and mitigate the loss.  This relationship with a Disaster Recovery Contractor can easily be the difference between a disaster that puts you out of business for weeks or months, (or permanently), and a quick re-opening with minimal damage or interruption.

Developing that relationship now, with a signed agreement in place, ensures that your property will be treated with immediate care giving your business top priority.  This is especially crucial if the catastrophe is widespread and many business and property owners are begging for disaster recovery contractors and they are all working on other properties in the disaster zone.

I encourage you to call your local qualified Disaster Restoration / Disaster Recovery Contractor today and discuss how they can make sure you get priority response when your property has that inevitable disaster.

If you need a superb Emergency Services Plan (ESP) to offer to commercial property owners, call me to find out how you can get one created for your company!