Preparing for the Next Disaster New York Times (blog)
30.08.11
The gods must be crazy, or at the very least they seem extremely perturbed this year. Each season of 2011 has been one for the record books as far as weather events. Here in the state of Arkansas we had record cold and snowfall this winter, followed by historic flooding and tornado damage in the spring. In states throughout the south central United States, the Mississippi river went on a flooding rampage the likes of which had not been seen since the 1930s. A tornado outbreak ripped across several states, with Alabama bearing the brunt. Texas and Oklahoma are still being oppressed by relentlessly hot temperatures, and now Irene has come barreling up the eastern seaboard. Dare I ask what’s next?
While I confess to knowing nothing about climate change, I do know that — for those of us who own small businesses — the beat must go on, if not during a disaster than as soon as possible thereafter. Yet few of us seem to have a plan in place for our businesses should disaster strike. Even as I write this blog post, I am aware that — other than storing all of my office files, data and e-mail in the cloud — there isn’t much to my own disaster preparedness beyond Google Apps and a flashlight.
Source:
7 bWinter/b Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly bHoliday/b Home bInsurance/b b.../b
Holiday homes are particularly vulnerable to storm and frost damage during winter, as they are often left empty during this hazardous period. By following some simple winter holiday home maintenance tips, property owners can help reduce the risk of filing claims this winter – advises Sheffield’s the holiday home insurance specialists.
If you are letting your holiday home throughout the winter, there is a danger that a guest could slip or fall on icy/slippery paths and decide to sue. Your public liability insurance (if you have it) will protect you against such actions. However, keep paths well lit, clear of slippery leaves and make sure that you have a good supply of grit or salt.
Unlike most other holiday home insurers, Schofields’ policies do not have security, heating or unoccupancy warranties. However, holiday home owners should check their insurance policies and any obligations regarding these three critical areas. Exclusions and restrictions in the small print can render a holiday home insurance policy worthless, just when homes are most at risk during the winter months.
