RIO Press Release
| For Immediate Release | Media Contact : |
| March 9, 2010 |
Tina Potthoff |
SAFEGUARD IOWA PARTNERSHIP EDUCATES BUSINESSES ABOUT DISASTER READINESS
Partnership Works Year-Round to Share Flood Awareness and Preparation Information
(DES MOINES) – This Flood Awareness Month, Safeguard Iowa Partnership is urging Iowa business owners and employees to be aware of steps they can take to be prepared for potential future flooding and other disasters.
“Taking precautions and having plans in place ahead of any possible spring flooding can help Iowans minimize danger, reduce property damage and speed the recovery process after a disaster strikes,” said Jami Haberl the Partnership’s executive director.
Although Safeguard Iowa Partnership works on disaster-readiness issues through the year, Flood Awareness Month provides the Partnership an opportunity to call special attention to the issue of flooding and disaster threats to businesses. While much of the attention this month has focused on individual home owners and renters in taking personal responsibility for safety, Haberl noted there is much which can be done by business owners for preparation as well.
Business owners are encouraged to think about their own evacuation and readiness plans, such as whether inventory is stored so it can be moved out of harm’s way if flooding is predicted. Also, personal safety precautions should be considered in planning for a disaster.
“For example, it’s recommended that everyone receive a routine tetanus booster dose every ten years. However, when someone is cut or injured, especially if the wound may get dirt into it, the person may need to get an additional booster shot if it’s been more than five years since their routine tetanus shot,” Haberl said. “The predictions for spring flooding provide an excellent opportunity to check with your health care provider to see that your tetanus booster shots are up to date before flooding occurs.”
Currently, Haberl is working on disaster planning meetings for businesses in the areas of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Northwest Iowa and Central Iowa. Emergency planning and other tips on how to be prepared are being shared at all the meetings, she said.
The Partnership was created in 2007 as a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders to help integrate business resources, expertise, and response plans with government agencies during all stages of disaster management.
“During the floods of 2008, we learned the importance of private and public agencies working together to share information and resources,” Haberl said. “The Partnership works closely with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and other state and local organizations to coordinate the flow and use of private resources and staff,” she added.
Another way the Partnership assists Iowa during a disaster is by having a trained representative from the private sector in the State Emergency Operations Center, where disaster response and recovery is coordinated. The representative serves as a single point of contact for private businesses in the State Emergency Operations Center. This proved to be beneficial during the 2008 disasters allowing for the most accurate information to be shared with businesses. The immediate communication assisted business owners and managers in making more timely decisions on how to react to the disaster.
Any business owners or employees who want more information about flood and disaster preparedness or how to be more involved in planning and how it applies to their businesses may contact the Safeguard Iowa Partnership Office at 515-246-1707.
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