natural disaster http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for natural disaster Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:53:22 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/natural+disaster An Fha Mortgage Following Disaster http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-fha-mortgage-following-disaster http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-fha-mortgage-following-disaster#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:25:01 +0000 fha mortgagenatural disasterpurchase pricefederal housing administrationgovernmental agencyfirst time homeownersfinance http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-fha-mortgage-following-disaster Federal Housing Administration helps many people get a home loan whether they have been the victims of a disaster or not because the home loans offered by this are offered to all people. The difference between getting an that is specifically for the victims of a is that there is no requirement of putting down a down payment. When getting a regular home loan through this agency, you have to put down 3% of the total , but if you are financing after having lost your home in a natural disaster, it is possible to the entire purchase price.

This is the only group that gets special consideration in the terms of the down payment required when purchasing a home. and second and third time homeowners all have to pay 3% of the house's total purchase price as a down payment. It is for this reason that a loan from the Federal Housing Administration is such a good option when it comes to buying a home after having lost a home.

The governmental agency figures that those who have lost their homes in a natural disaster should be able to get an FHA mortgage for a new home as soon as possible. It does not make a lot of sense to keep these people homeless or living at friends' houses until they can save up 3% of the cost as a down payment. The government thinks that they should be able to get a new loan and finance 100% of the purchase price.

This opportunity to finance 100% of the cost of your new home should not be passed by. There is no bank or other institution who offers the opportunity to finance 100% of a loan. Always, when a home loan is in question, there is a down payment that must be paid. In addition to this offer of no down payment, all of the interest rate stipulations remain the same as they would be if you were to put down a down payment when signing an FHA mortgage. The fact that you are not paying a down payment does not affect any other pieces of the loan package.

In many loan programs, the more of a down payment you make, the lower your interest rate will be. When it comes to disaster relief home loans from the Federal Housing Administration, this is never the case. If you or someone you know has recently lost their residence in a natural disaster and has not found a way to get into a new home yet, check out the loan programs of the Federal Housing Administration.

One easy way to get started is to visit http://www.fhatoday.com, which puts you in touch with the folks at HCI Mortgage who work in their division for clients getting an FHA mortgage. HCI Mortgage will help you get started on your process of getting a home loan quickly, and you can even fill out their application online and be contacted by one of their specialists within 24 hours. http://www.FhaToday.com is a division of HCI Mortgage. All mortgage applications submitted through http://FhaToday.com are processed, underwritten, and funded by HCI Mortgage. For more information on FHA refinance, FHA Mortgage and FHA home loan please visit our site. ]]> Disasters Change Lives Forever http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 22:27:12 +0000 disaster mitigationnatural disastersdisaster survivalmanmade disasterssurvival suppliesnatural hazardlink in the chain http://www.artwoo.com/article/disasters-change-lives-forever natural disasters killed over 25,000 people and caused $57.7 billion in damage worldwide. Besides the obvious, direct impact of natural disasters (such as a tornado destroying a house), there are usually many indirect effects. Although these effects may be less obvious, they are often times more costly and can add years on to the recovery time from a disaster. As people who live in communities that have been devastated by a will often say, "there is no such thing as a complete recovery, disasters change people's lives forever".

is the first of . Mitigation is the process of reducing the severity of the impact of natural hazards through planning. Each hazard requires a specific type of mitigation. In some cases, we can use engineering solutions. Earthquake-resistant construction and devices to hold objects in place such as earthquake straps could at least reduce the impact of a natural hazard. In other cases, the only form of mitigation that is guaranteed to be successful is to limit or not allow human activities where the hazard occurs, such as floodplains, volcanoes and high fire risk areas.

But unfortunately, in some cases such as Hurricane Katrina and the Asian Tsunami, the fact that there was little or no planning or mitigation took its toll on human life. These types of disasters have a profound impact on us all. Prediction of natural disasters has improved greatly but more work needs to be done. Protection against must continue in a logical, controlled and decisive manner.

The second link in the chain of disaster survival is personal preparation. Making plans for evacuation, having the correct such as water and food that has a five-year shelf life, a flashlight that doesn't need batteries and a radio to stay connected to the outside world, is essential to us all. It is suggested that each person have at least 72 hours of supplies. Statistically, the citizens of the United States are not prepared. Less then 40% of the population has a plan and even less have supplies. The list of items is overwhelming to some people and just knowing where to start can be a conundrum.

Disasters do come in all forms and change our lives. We have seen it first hand in recent years. Mitigation, preparation and prediction will decrease loss of life and property. Every one of us must participate in disaster preparation. Some people say "expect the unexpected" but in reality we must anticipate the expected and prepare. For more information about emergency disaster preparedness or to see a comprehensive list of survival kits to help you get prepared in the event of disaster, visit: http://www.survivalkitsonline.com ]]> Franchise Tip: How to Plan For Disaster Recovery http://www.artwoo.com/article/franchise-tip-how-to-plan-for-disaster-recovery http://www.artwoo.com/article/franchise-tip-how-to-plan-for-disaster-recovery#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:15:25 +0000 types of natural disastersfranchise ownersnatural disastervolcanic eruptionwild firedisaster recoverymany different types http://www.artwoo.com/article/franchise-tip-how-to-plan-for-disaster-recovery types of s across the world. Whether it is a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, tidal wave, flooding, , tsunami, or even a it affects us. It may affect us in our personal lives such as our homes, loss of a family member or friend, or more. But it can also affect business or which in turn will affect that business or franchise owner's personal life. Don't think that it won't happen to you, because in reality it very well could. So, as a business owner you should have a plan and be prepared for any form of you may encounter.

First of all you need to have a plan for any kind of disaster you may encounter in your geographic area. It is important you all of you employees know the plan and how to execute it. You will want them to know certain measures that need to be taken. For example if you live in Florida and get hurricanes you first need to protect your windows by boarding them up, you also need to cover anything that can be damaged if water gets to it (like important files, computers, and such), you also need to protect any type of loss you may encounter if you lose power. You need to do this ahead of time because when you are in a rush and in the situation it is hard to make decisions on a whim.

You also need to have a recovery plan. You and your employees need to know what will be done after having experienced a natural disaster. If not you will be wasting time as you and your employees try to figure out what to do.

You should create an employee contact list of all employees. This way you can check on your employees after a natural disaster and figure out if any of them need assistance. You will also be able to figure out who can make it into work and who can't as you try to put your business back together.

You must get good insurance. You will want you insurance to cover property damage to cover any costs related to building damages. You will also need it to cover any loss including inventory you may have encountered to do loss of power or structural damage. You will also need enough to cover the costs of your flow of business being interrupted. You may have to close for a few days or longer to get your franchise back open and going.

Lastly, keep back up's of anything that is important like documents, client lists/information, accounting information, and other things of that nature in a different safe place.

Just remember that anything can and will happen, it is important to plan for the worst. That way it won't be so bad, whether it is a little or big natural disaster, and you can keep your franchise business successful!For more information on an automotive franchise, visit BumperDoc auto body franchise and start your path to business ownership.]]> Building Your Natural Disaster Preparation Kits http://www.artwoo.com/article/building-your-natural-disaster-preparation-kits http://www.artwoo.com/article/building-your-natural-disaster-preparation-kits#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:36:24 +0000 natural disaster preparationhurricane disasterwaterproof flashlightsled flashlightflooding in the midwestpreparing for a disastermidwest flooding http://www.artwoo.com/article/building-your-natural-disaster-preparation-kits flooding in the Midwest has the strength and devastation of natural disasters on everyone's mind. The sad fact is that families seem to just be coming to understanding that natural disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere. Thankfully, more people are trying to educate themselves on what they can do to be prepared. No longer does refer to stocking up on bread and water. Recent disasters like the and even the Katrina are forcing us to realize that families must be prepared to relocate or hunker down with vital belongings in a hurry if they want to keep their families and some of their belongings safe. This requires long-before it is devastating your home town.

FEMA and the Red Cross, along with several other disaster recovery organizations, are stressing the importance for every home to have a disaster preparation kit stocked and ready.

Below are the key items each home should have in their prep kit in order to have what they need if the power goes out or roadways become blocked.

Every Day Needs

Every disaster preparation kit should include food, water, and clothing. Non-perishable items like jars of peanut butter or fruit, granola bars, crackers, and canned goods should be packed in a box along with a large store of bottled water. Each family member should also pack an emergency bag with a few days of extra clothing and keep in near the other kit materials. This way it can be easily picked up should a fast evacuation be called for.

Equipment

One of the most important things that you need in your kit is a , preferably the waterproof LED flashlights. Though LED flashlights can be a bit pricier than the typical grocery store flashlights, the technology of the LED make them much more useful because they are able to last several times longer than a standard flashlight and require fewer batteries over the long term. These lights also put out a much brighter light, making them good for signaling for help. Also pack replacement batteries for your LED flashlights and keep them close to the actual flashlights so they are easy to find in the dark.

A disaster kit should also include a good knife, preferably a Swiss army or utility knife. These are compact multi-purpose tools that can help cut ropes or other things that may hinder evacuation, open canned goods and remove screws in other equipment.

A battery operated AM / FM radio is important so your family can hear news regarding the disaster, weather predictions, and evacuation notices. Keep all of the equipment together in an easy to carry box or case in an easy to get to place.

Documentation

Important family documents are one of the things most often forgotten in a disaster preparation kit. You should collect and keep a zip lock bag with your family's important documents, like birth certificates, passports, marriage license, insurance information, etc. sealed inside. Keep the bag in with your disaster materials or in with an adult's clothing. These documents are vital if you want to get back on your feet once the disaster has passed.

The fact is that natural disasters can happen in a matter of minutes, and before you know it, a bad situation can turn disastrous in an instant. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to have your natural disaster kits ready before the disaster strikes. It could be the difference in being able to get out of town and into a decent hotel, or a relatives home safely and scrambling to collect your things before water and winds trap your family. This has been an active season for natural disasters; don't wait until it is too late.

~Ben Anton, 2008Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for DLK.Ben Anton invites you to read more about the features of quality Coast multipurpose tools on our discount utility knife website.]]> Small Business Disaster Plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-business-disaster-plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-business-disaster-plans#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:43:28 +0000 national federation of independent businessdisaster recovery plansdisaster recovery plandisaster doesnbusiness interruptionsfederation of independent businessman made disaster http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-business-disaster-plans National , almost forty percent of small businesses experience disaster at some time. That statistic is broken down to ten percent man-made (broken water pipes, mold outbreaks, etc.) and thirty percent natural (flooding, hurricane etc.).

Document recovery experts, like Joe Perko, Director of Field Services with Rapid Refile, LLC agree that this is one of the most common shortfalls in business planning. "Although the experience of Katrina in New Orleans has motivated many companies and organizations in high-risk areas to develop s, and to incorporate document salvaging as part of those plans, there remains a great number of people and businesses that have not formalized a response to potential property damaged and/or " said Joe Perko in a recent interview.

Regardless of the time, it remains very necessary for small businesses to take some steps to ensure a 't take down their entire business. Developing a recovery plan does not have to be difficult, it just takes some time and a little forethought.

There are a number of reasons small business owners give for neglecting disaster planning.

1. Lack of Resources (staff, outside resources)
2. Limited Budget
3. Don't see the need

The need is very clear. Small businesses that go through a disaster without proper recovery plans are far more likely to fail. The Association of Records Managers and Administrators estimates that over sixty percent of businesses fail within two years of experiencing a major disaster.

Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan

When developing a disaster recovery plan, you have a few options. You can use online resources to put together one on your own or you can search for a third party company that can help you. There are a number of disaster recovery companies that will help you plan for alternate work space, communication contingencies and computer storage and back-up in the event that flooding, a fire or other disaster destroys part or all of your business facility.

One of the most important and useful resources you can reach out to for disaster plan assistance is a document restoration company. These companies will assess your businesses' document storage facilities and mechanisms and provide you with recommendations for how to better prepare for a water or fire disaster. Architects, doctor's offices, lawyers, construction companies, tax preparers, and any other business using hardcopy or electronic records, x-rays, or pictures would benefit the greatest from consulting with such a company.

The importance of having a plan for document protection cannot be under-emphasized. "A strategic plan for recovering water or fire damaged auditable records, X-rays, blueprints, pictures and so on is necessary to ensure functionality, and even survival, after a disaster," reminds Perko. "Whereas physical structures can be temporarily replaced by off-site locations or office trailers, the paper trail of open contracts, patient files, tax documents, etc., is the irreplaceable lifeblood of a business."

Too often small businesses realize the importance of disaster recovery plans once it is too late. Take the time to do some research and develop a plan for your business so that it can exist for a long, healthy while.

~Ben Anton, 2008Learn more about flood and fire document damage and restoration techniques from the professional document restoration services experts at Rapid Refile.]]> Preparing For Disaster: Is Your Dog Safe If Another Hurricane Katrina Hits Your Town? http://www.artwoo.com/article/preparing-for-disaster-is-your-dog-safe-if-another-hurricane-katrina-hits-your-town http://www.artwoo.com/article/preparing-for-disaster-is-your-dog-safe-if-another-hurricane-katrina-hits-your-town#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:57:19 +0000 hurricane katrinadisaster strikesman made disasterscrate traindeadly stormservice animalssafety measures http://www.artwoo.com/article/preparing-for-disaster-is-your-dog-safe-if-another-hurricane-katrina-hits-your-town disaster strikes, which can occur at a moment's notice. Whether they are natural disasters such as fires, storms and floods, or man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, the best way to beat it and come out it safe is through proper planning.

Even before hit, there were no laws that protected pets. Neither was there any service for animals that needed to be evacuated, rescued, and sheltered during a state of an emergency. When the hit New Orleans, there is a reported estimate of 600,000 animals were left behind, deserted, and hundreds died from drowning, starvation, and illness.

The devastating affect of the hurricane has pushed the local and federal government to either change their policies or develop new ones to include the safety of these pets and . A variety of agencies are also collaborating solutions with the government and local animal rescues that will help protect pets in times of emergencies.

Establishing a good plan of action will ensure the safety and survival of your family, your pets including yourself. So, the best time to think about the safety of your dog is prior to there being a disaster. In addition, practical planning and preparation is essential to keeping your dog safe and sound during time of disaster. The following are a few that you should remember:

1. You may have to ask a neighbor to help you with the evacuation, especially if you have more than one pet.

2. Donït plan at the last minuteïif youïre away from your house when disaster strikes, select someone you trust to go to your house as fast as they can to rescue your pets.

3. Make sure that you know exactly where you are taking your dog - during and even after disaster - until you can safely go back to your home.

4. Make sure that you remember to your dog. In a disaster, you should be able to put your dog in the crate as fast as you can and without much difficulty.

5. Leave your home as soon as you receive notice of evacuationïyou should never wait until the last minute.

6. If the disaster does not strike, you should still evacuate until you know for sure that you and your dog is going to be safe.

7. You should always keep a disaster supply kit for your dog in a easy location to find within your home. You will also want to include the following items: food and water (three days supply for each pet), a first aid kit, crate, can opener, leashes and harnesses, and newspaper or potty pads.

8. Last but not least, make certain that your dog wears a proper ID tag with your current cell number securely fastened to his collar ïthis number should be to a number that you carry with you every day.Provided by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the largest choice of dog feeders online, visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/]]> Disaster Planning For Small Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business#comments Fri, 08 Sep 2006 22:27:09 +0000 small business administrationhurricane katrinadisaster response plandisaster planhuman resourcesaftermathbusiness disaster http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business Hurricane Katrina. No one knows how many will be able to come back from disaster. But the odds are that the ones who successfully rebuild there businesses will be the ones who had a in place before the hurricane struck. A solid small plan has three components, protecting , protecting physical resources and planning for business continuity.

If you're a sole proprietor, your plans to protect your human resources probably dovetail easily with your plans to protect your home and family. However, if you have employees, you need a more detailed plan to estimate how long employees will be unable to get to work, what your policy will be for compensation while employees are out of work after a disaster, and how you will make payroll if computer systems and banks are inaccessible.

You will also need an immediate to cover what you and your employees will do in an emergency and during its to protect life and limb. This plan should include things like administering first aid, food and water storage, establishing a company-wide meeting place and proper safety precautions that you and your employees should take during and after a disaster.

Protecting your physical resources is more complicated depending on whether you own or lease the building that houses your business. If your building is leased you will need to work with your landlord to develop a solid property protection plan for the building. You and your employees will need to develop a separate plan to protect assets in the leased space such as furniture and computers. If you own your building, consulting with an architect or engineer about your building's capabilities in a disaster can help you plan what measures need to be taken to protect it. Your local chamber of commerce or can provide you with a property protection checklist to incorporate into your disaster plan.

Having employees present in an undamaged building after a disaster won't do any good if you don't have the critical records you need to run your business. A business continuity plan will ensure that you have procedures in place to protect your vital paper and electronic records. A business continuity plan also needs to address issues like interruption of deliveries from upstream suppliers and estimates of your company's ability to deliver to your customers after a disaster. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://businessworldnow.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://yourealestatesource.com/ and http://youremploymentsource.com/ ]]> Disaster Planning For Small Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:20:00 +0000 disaster response plandisaster planbusiness disastersmall business administrationprotect your homehurricane katrinaproper safety precautions http://www.artwoo.com/article/disaster-planning-for-small-business Hurricane Katrina. No one knows how many will be able to come back from disaster. But the odds are that the ones who successfully rebuild there businesses will be the ones who had a in place before the hurricane struck. A solid small plan has three components, protecting human resources, protecting physical resources and planning for business continuity.

If you're a sole proprietor, your plans to protect your human resources probably dovetail easily with your plans to and family. However, if you have employees, you need a more detailed plan to estimate how long employees will be unable to get to work, what your policy will be for compensation while employees are out of work after a disaster, and how you will make payroll if computer systems and banks are inaccessible.

You will also need an immediate to cover what you and your employees will do in an emergency and during its aftermath to protect life and limb. This plan should include things like administering first aid, food and water storage, establishing a company-wide meeting place and that you and your employees should take during and after a disaster.

Protecting your physical resources is more complicated depending on whether you own or lease the building that houses your business. If your building is leased you will need to work with your landlord to develop a solid property protection plan for the building. You and your employees will need to develop a separate plan to protect assets in the leased space such as furniture and computers. If you own your building, consulting with an architect or engineer about your building's capabilities in a disaster can help you plan what measures need to be taken to protect it. Your local chamber of commerce or can provide you with a property protection checklist to incorporate into your disaster plan.

Having employees present in an undamaged building after a disaster won't do any good if you don't have the critical records you need to run your business. A business continuity plan will ensure that you have procedures in place to protect your vital paper and electronic records. A business continuity plan also needs to address issues like interruption of deliveries from upstream suppliers and estimates of your company's ability to deliver to your customers after a disaster. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://businessworldnow.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://yourealestatesource.com/ and http://youremploymentsource.com/ ]]> Your Insurance Premium May Be Affected By Global Warming http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-insurance-premium-may-be-affected-by-global-warming http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-insurance-premium-may-be-affected-by-global-warming#comments Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:27:14 +0000 global climate changeuk insurance industryuk insurance companiesweather relateduk insurance companyunfortunatelyrecord weather http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-insurance-premium-may-be-affected-by-global-warming UK insurance industry. It seems that at least once a year the UK insurance industry gets to feel the bit of a natural disaster somewhere in the world.

In more case than not, environmentalist will then go on record as saying the natural disaster was avoidable, but for the fact that we are subject to ongoing global warming, which we should only expect to get worse. And, the simple fact is that this trend of may severely affect your insurance premium.

For the 5 year period from 1998 to 2003 (the last on public record), weather-related insurance claims in the UK amounted to £6 billion. This figure is almost double that paid out during the 5 period immediately prior to this. In this regard, it doesn't take long to realise that set their premiums based on what they calculate the chances are of them having to pay-out under the insurance policy are.

So, if the chances of having to pay out on an insurance policy for weather-related damages have risen twice in the last 5 years, then it wouldn't be unfair to assume that weather-related claims could double again in the next 5 years. On this basis, the amount of premium you paid 5 years ago will have quadrupled in 5 years time! However, with industry experts suggesting that future insurance claims could leave many UK insurance companies in financial difficulties, you may well find that loss adjustors determine that the risk has increased significantly more than this, and set a premium suitably high to reflect this point.

, the only way that you can reduce your insurance premiums is to give the reason enough for them to believe that it is unlikely (or less likely) that you'll make a claim against the insurance company. Nonetheless, when it comes to house insurance, you can hardly reduce the chance that a natural disaster won't happen -- because that's out of your hands. As such, as the policyholder you need to consider alternative ways if you want to make sure that your insurance premiums do not rise dramatically.

The only real alternative that is left to policyholders is to increase the minimum payout claim threshold. By the minimum payment payout threshold, what is meant is that you agree not to claim on the insurance unless a minimum amount of damage has been done to your property by the weather. By increasing this sum, you may be able to hold-off on the prospect of having dramatic increases in your annual home insurance policy.

The only other alternative left open to you is to picket you government and ask them to take the issue of global warming seriously. If that were to happen, and there was to be less chance of the natural disaster happening, then this would reduce the level of risk of the insurance company having to pay-out under the policy and this reduction of risk should be reflected in a reduction in your insurance premiums. Joe Kenny writes for the UK personal finance sites http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk and also http://www.cardguide.co.uk ]]> How Long Does it Take For a Home Insurance Claim to Be Settled? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-home-insurance-claim-to-be-settled http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-home-insurance-claim-to-be-settled#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:29:29 +0000 state insurance lawsnational association of insurance commissionersnatural disasterhorror storiesinsurance claimclaims adjusterinsurance claims http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-home-insurance-claim-to-be-settled horror stories about some people whose insurance have taken a long time to pay out, but you have also heard about people who have had insurance pay outs in no time at all.

What can you expect and what can you count on?

When you are looking at homeowner's insurance, you will find that this can depend on many things.

* The first point that you should be aware of is the amount of time that an insurance company has to pay a claim, this is something that is determined by your . With this in mind, make sure that you head to the website and find out what your state mandates and what they need to adhere to. Insurance companies don't like to give you an exact date as to when your claim will be settled; most likely, you will just get a response saying that it will be as quickly as possible.

* If you are filing a homeowner's , you will find that there are a few things that you can do to speed the process along. When you have been faced with a disaster, make sure that you file your claim as quickly as possible, particularly if there has been some sort of in the area. are not a matter of first come, first served, but you will find that getting the process going will have your claim settled faster.

* When you are in the process of making a homeowner's insurance claim, you will find that you can speed things along by staying in contact with your . Call them regularly and ask for updates. Be polite and make sure that they are on top of things. This lets them know that you are waiting as well and you will find that if you can stay fresh in their memory that you will stay on top of their 'to-do' pile as well.

* If necessary, make some noise. You will find that this is definitely an industry where the squeaky wheel gets the grease and you will also realise that if you can't get good answers out of your adjuster that you should go on to their supervisor. If necessary, you might need to go through the company's legal department as well.

Take the time to make sure that you know what is going on with your homeowner's insurance claim. This can make all the difference to how well you and your family will cope when it comes to dealing with disaster and misfortune, so make it a high priority.Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For Loss Assessors and Home Insurance claim services, he recommends Morgan Clark.]]> Do Not Tip Toe Around This Home Improvement Tip http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-not-tip-toe-around-this-home-improvement-tip http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-not-tip-toe-around-this-home-improvement-tip#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:34:55 +0000 home improvement tipfire disasterdisaster strikestrees and plantsdishearteningflammable vegetationfires http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-not-tip-toe-around-this-home-improvement-tip home improvement tip to give you is one you probably may not think of. Frequently, people are losing their investments due to . There are things you can do to protect your investment from burning to the ground, as this can be very .

Hot and dry weather can cause a dramatic change in fire dangers. Weeds and vegetation when lacking water, can turn into fuel for fires. One lightening bolt or carelessly tossed cigarette, or ember from a fire is all it takes to set a fire and destroy your whole neighborhood. Some houses are spared when they catch on fire, while others are totally burn to the ground. Did you ever wonder why is that so? It is because some homeowners may have taken additional steps to prevent total loss from . This is a some good home improvement tip you should take note of.

What You Can Do To Prevent or Save Your Home from a Fire Disaster

A good home improvement tip that is good for you is to remove anything natural that could lead to a fire breakout. Look around your home for any sources of fuel and try to get rid of them before . that tend to have a lot of dry leaves are very prone to starting dangerous fires. Keep your trees well pruned all the time and avoid planting them in clusters.

Also try to remove any that is within thirty feet of your house. If you want to be safe and smart, thin out the dry stuff to within one hundred feet of your structures.



You can also prune the branches of the trees if they are lower than six feet height. This will help to reduce a lot of chance of fire, and is a great home improvement tip to remember.

Another useful home improvement tip to note is not to stack wood next to your house. The wood should be at least thirty feet from the structure of the building. Try to avoid placing lumber piles and other construction materials near your place, and keep an eye on any butane or propane tanks. Keep these at least ten feet away from your home or dry material.

Another home improvement tip for you is to prepare your house for a fire. When you get materials for your roof or siding, try to get items that are fire-resistant. Purchase items like asphalt-fiberglass or masonry roofing and if you live in a fire prone area, this is a very important home improvement tip that you shoudl try to follow.

Make sure you have prepared your family for strategies to follow in the event of a fire disaster. If you follow these helpful home improvement tips, you will stand less of a chance of losing totally your future investment when a fire disaster strikes. Tangopang is a Home Improvement Consultant. Are you starting on new home improvement projects? Make sure to read the tips at http://www.homehomeimprovement101.com ]]> Reasons to Have a Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/reasons-to-have-a-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/reasons-to-have-a-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:08:23 +0000 disaster recovery plancomputer outagesdestructive eventsdisastrous eventsuccess and failuremain objectivevital business http://www.artwoo.com/article/reasons-to-have-a-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan
Fire damage, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other can mean the end of thousands of important files. Losing a small amount of information due to a power outage can be an annoyance. Losing the data for an entire organization is a disaster.

Having a good data center in place can mean the difference between . That's because safeguarding information is a data center's number one job. If that information is lost for any reason, the data center has failed in its . A disaster recovery plan is necessary for success.

Losing Data Costs Time and Money

Losing data to a is not only an inconvenience, it costs money. That's because recovering information, if possible at all, can be time consuming and expensive.

Each day that passes between the data loss and the recovery of that data means lost business hours, less chance of successful recovery, and more expensive recovery. A successful disaster recovery plan can help save you money.

In addition, for some data centers, lost data can be time-sensitive. Waiting a week for that information can make it useless. Even waiting a day can be too long. That's why it's important to have a disaster recovery plan in place that allows you to recover data from the moment of the disaster.

How Important is Your Data?

If the data center is down, the rest of the business may not be able to function properly. In fact, some studies have shown that of more than ten days can cause permanent financial damage to a company. Within 5 years, half of those businesses have closed their doors.

Your information is vital to your business, and that's why a data recovery plan is simply common sense. Recovery from a disaster needs to be straight-forward, and it can mean the difference between a short-term inconvenience and the end of your organization.

Implementing a Disaster Recovery Plan

The first step toward reducing the impact of a disaster is to obtain a disaster recovery planning guide and disaster recovery templates. After investing in these items, the strategy for recovery needs to be planned in detail. Having a vague idea of your recovery plan is not going to save you from data loss.

Like any precautionary measure, the upfront planning for disaster recovery can seem like a waste of valuable company time and resources. However, your organization will be grateful that it is prepared if disaster does strike.

A proper disaster recovery plan should also include an assessment of risk and the impact of a loss of information. This allows the company to prioritize data center operations, an important step in recovering business viability.

An additional integral component to any plan for business continuity should be rigorous and regular testing. Disaster recovery plans should be tested and reviewed on a regular basis. This ensures that the plan is ready for a true emergency situation.

Safeguard the Future Success of Your Organization

Problems with hardware or software often strike when usage is at its highest point. That usually means a very busy time for the organization. Peak usage times, while some of the most vulnerable, are also the last time you want your data center to have a crisis.

It is important not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the seeming reliability of your systems. Modern technology runs perfectly right up until the time it doesn't. You don't want that time to be the downfall of your business. Implement a disaster recovery plan, and safeguard both your data and the future success of your organization.Managed Hosting Leading provider with offices strategically located in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec City. Visit us to learn more: Data Centre Vancouver.]]> Data Disaster Can Strike Anytime : Be Prepared http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-disaster-can-strike-anytime-be-prepared http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-disaster-can-strike-anytime-be-prepared#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:43:27 +0000 critical business applicationsbusiness continuity institutepreparedness planrecovery measuresimpending disastervirus humannatural phenomenon http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-disaster-can-strike-anytime-be-prepared impending disaster, so why worry about it, right? However, for plenty of small businesses and Internet technology departments, this overly-optimistic view is something they've learned to regret. Many people who are dilgent about preventative data have learned the hard way. Every year, according to the BIC (), around 1 in 5 companies will face a data disaster due to loss of power or a .

Consider the consequence. In this day in age, when the IT network has become an essential part of practically all small businesses, a huge disruption can equal massive loss of income, considerable added expense, a sudden lapse in productivity, delays and possibly even a hit to your customers' perceptions of your accountability. This type of situation will have negative effects on relations with partners, creditors, and suppliers. The right preparation is a solution in advance. An implemented data recovery plan can ensure that the company continues to operate after even an especially bad incident. There are some main points to consider:

Impact Analysis

An analysis can help managers identify priorities for an effective recovery plan. For Internet systems, an analysis is valuable in that it shows which systems your are running on, and vulnerable areas within the environment.

It's important to not underestimate how important backup efforts are; a virus, human error or water leak can all destroy your data just as easily as a fire or tornado. A complete strategy for data backup is key, particularly for small businesses. The best strategies include data prioritization, regular testing (to be sure backup efforts work properly), and off-site storage.

After the work of research and development, when a for recovery has been implemented, there's a natural reaction to want to call it finished and take on another task. But the IT system must continually evolve along with your business. The Internet technology team should continue to implement new ways to maintain and test the disaster plan.

Small businesses often choose to go to service providers for assistance with their data recovery and disaster prevention needs. Often, these companies can simply choose the appropriate solution or upgrade to keep pace with business requirements. These specialists have the experience and understand the effective solutions to recommend to the customer.

Organizations which have a strategic outlook toward your business goals, a complete assessment methodology and ample experience should top your list of firms to work with. Other factors to consider include remote management abilities, experience, and a solid record for preparedness plans and recovery efforts.

With these strategies in place, you'll be ready when disaster strikes, considerably reducing the negative effects of the event and keeping operations working. Instead of placing your hopes in luck alone, apply some thought and effort into backing up your work and developing a recovery plan which will leave you unscathed in the event of a distastrous event.Nick Pegley is VP Marketing for All Covered: Technology Services Partner for Small Business, providing disaster recovery solutions and technology services in 20 major U.S. metro areas.]]> Protecting Our Pets During Disasters http://www.artwoo.com/article/protecting-our-pets-during-disasters http://www.artwoo.com/article/protecting-our-pets-during-disasters#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2007 05:35:00 +0000 companion petspersonal petsdisaster preparationsdisaster plansthis means thatanimal welfare agenciesservice animals http://www.artwoo.com/article/protecting-our-pets-during-disasters disaster preparations? Since the heartbreaking disaster that Hurricane Katrina in 2005, quite a few new laws have been passed that, ensure the protection and safety of our beloved best friends. For instance, the animal welfare organization created a better plan of emergency action while establishing more shelters that make allowances for pets and their owners if such an event should ever take place again.

The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act or PETS is a new federal law as of October 2006. Under the PETS act, FEMA is now required to take into account the needs of any one with a service animal or companion pet. Included in the funding of state as well as local of evacuation rescues for emergency or major disaster is also stated in the PETS act. FEMA is allowed to aid in rescuing and other , before, during and after a disaster strikes.

Many states are uniting in efforts to assure animal safety during a disaster, in addition to the federal PETS Act. This means they have either revised an existing bill that includes the protection of and service animals, or passed their own pet evacuation bill.

For instance, a bill was passed in June of 2006 in the state of Louisiana that enables the state to help in evacuations and offer assistance and shelter to any pet caught in a disaster. These animals will be given a bar code tag for identification, while their owners have a copy to locate their pets once the emergency is over.

Several states have established better disaster action plans to ensure that no pets will be abandoned or left behind such as:

California, Florida Hawaii Illinois Louisiana Maine New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Vermont

The pet policy of the American Red Cross has undergone modification by joining with the local all over the nation while establishing shelter to accommodate pets in separate rooms or in a facility in the same location.

The internet has been most useful with many local human societies and animal control departments as a means of reuniting pets with their owners, by posting descriptions and pictures. For more information, you should call your local animal agency. Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care" http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com a blog all about our pooches health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, and not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook. http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com ]]> What You Should Know About Renters Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-renters-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-renters-insurance#comments Wed, 26 Jul 2006 22:27:11 +0000 renter insurancerenters insuranceinsurance companyfloodingsentimental valuedisaster strikeswater damage http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-renters-insurance renters insurance you could be asking for a world of trouble. It is important that anyone renting anything from anyone have in case a disaster should strike. The disaster could be in the form of damage from leaks, , fire, earthquake, or tornado. It could also come in the form of lawsuits or injury if a guest to your home has hurt themselves with. If at any time and you do not possess renters insurance you could lose everything and have no way of retrieving it or any way of replacing it.

You see your landlord insures the home itself if anything were to happen to it, but their policy will not cover your possessions. It is important to know what you can expect when you are looking for renters insurance. Not all insurance companies are the same; they may offer different coverage than another and will almost certainly depend on what area of the world you live in. In general, your will likely cover events such as lightning, fire, smoke, and hail or a windstorm. Your insurance company may offer additional coverage with the policy or at an additional fee to cover flooding, due to damaged pipes, damage to your property from vehicles or aircraft, falling objects, and riots.

In the event that damage to your possession has occurred your renters insurance, will help in one of two ways, either by issuing you a check for the actual cash value of the damaged items or issue you a check for the amount it will take to replace the damaged items. The difference between the two is simple, the actual cash value will be the amount it will cost to replace the damaged items with the depreciation value subtracted.

While you cannot replace the actual items that may be of high , renters insurance will allow you to at least be able to retrieve replacements for your items. If ever a disaster were to strike your rented home, you could still be able to lead the same quality of life with renters insurance.

It is important that you speak with your renters insurance agent and know everything that is covered, what the costs are monthly, what your deductible is, and how to file a claim if a disaster should happen to strike. This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more renters insurance resources at: http://renters-insurance-notes.info ]]> Choose A Backup Software For Your Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/choose-a-backup-software-for-your-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/choose-a-backup-software-for-your-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:10:00 +0000 disaster recovery plandisaster recovery planscomputer backupbackup systemright computersystem computerbackup program http://www.artwoo.com/article/choose-a-backup-software-for-your-data-center-disaster-recovery-plan disaster recovery plan.

If you are already convinced that you must protect your data, then the next question is what exactly are we supposed to look for in a data center disaster recovery plan anyway?

It does not matter if you are a huge multinational corporation or a new business just entering your fast growth phase. Every business needs a first rate system.

Computer s are a part of data center because they play the major role of safeguarding the pertinent data that keeps your business alive and restoring that data if a computer hardware failure occurs. Because of the importance of its function, selecting the is critical to your data center's disaster recovery plan.

Listed below are several facts to consider during your search for the best computer backup system:

Protection: How many levels of safety does the program have? Does it have a proper administrative login procedure? Can it keep your files intact in its own "vault" so they cannot leak out, get misplaced, or become erased? Determining what the program's security system can and cannot do is vital in making a selection. The program you want to choose must be capable of top-rate security.

Ease of Access: Even though you're backed up files have to be secure, at the same time they should be easily accessible. This encourages frequent updates and simplifies documentation procedures. An accessible system boosts the businesses efficiency, allowing more time to work on other important issues and responsibilities.

Storage Space: Storage pace is always a big issue for online computer backups. Even a small mom and pop business can have an amazing amount of data that needs to be stored. It's vital to know all your storage options and the limitations of your online computer backups, so you can confirm if it can, in fact, handle all or your valuable data.

Ease of Use: It isn't a must-have requirement, but an easy to understand and operate program is a big plus for a number of reasons. A simple but effective program will be operated, verified, backed up, and given quality control checks more often. This minimizes the risk of file recovery disaster and increases the likelihood of a full recovery from computer crashes.

Dependability: Another important point to look for is if the program can store and restore your data completely when asked too without having to jump through any hoops? You should make sure it is easy to restore your data.

Don't include yourself as one of the many businesses that do not pay enough attention to their data center disaster recovery plans. Neglecting to check if your computer backup system is up to restoring a file recovery disaster is going to be a painful experience when you most need it.

At all times you have to remember that depending on which computer backup system you select, it will make or break your data center disaster recovery plans. So be sure to take your time and pick wisely. If you need a total system and data protection solution that combines ease-of-use with robust performance. Go to my Blog to learn about a FREE trial of the program. Go to http://data-disaster-recovery-plan.blogspot.com ]]> American Disaster Victims Have It So Good http://www.artwoo.com/article/american-disaster-victims-have-it-so-good http://www.artwoo.com/article/american-disaster-victims-have-it-so-good#comments Wed, 21 Jun 2006 00:32:09 +0000 pakistankatrinahamletearthquaketreesshaukat aziztarpaulin http://www.artwoo.com/article/american-disaster-victims-have-it-so-good earthquake in . 20,000 or more people dead and thousands more stranded and not evacuated yet. Prime Minister of Pakistan put the death toll at 23,000, up from an estimated 20,000 the day before. Of the 51,000 people injured in the earthquake, only 3,110 have been evacuated by helicopter, according to Pakistani officials.

Americans complained about the evacuation process during ? What would Americans have been saying if the earthquake crisis in Pakistan were happening here?

In one on the Pakistani side of Kashmir, 100 miles northeast of Islamabad, Asghar Hussain Shah, a 49-year-old schoolteacher, shivered in a thin cardigan beside his broken house.

He, his wife and children huddled under a sodden to escape the rain that fell over the village, called Mohri Furman Shah. "We cannot sleep in the house," he said. "All the men and women are frightened." Mr. Shah said his extended family of seven others has camped out for three nights and were now trying to keep dry under makeshift shelters beneath the .

The hamlet emerged with just six dead after all 300 children at the local school escaped before the school collapsed. But it is now Day 4 and no help has been offered to the hamlet, which sits on a main road.

Beneath trees. Not inside a building as our Katrina survivors were. They aren't calling out for the government to be blamed. They are not saying their government failed them. They aren't holding their hand out expecting handouts as if it were a right.

Katrina was a disaster. People were killed. People were injured. People lost their homes. Yes the government could have done a better job at responding. But let's keep it in perspective. When a hurricane is coming, people are told to put away food and water for 5 days. The federal response and evacuations began on the 4th day.

Thousands of families in Himalayan Villages in Pakistan will be lucky if anyone can reach them in that same 4 days. They won't call it racism. They won't blame the government for a natural disaster. They will be grateful for whatever aid reaches them, whenever it gets there.

Maybe there are some Americans who should reflect on this. Chris McElroy is an Independent with regards to politics. He writes about both Republicrooks and Democrooks. His blog at http://www.newsandmediablog.com is called Things That Just Piss Me Off. ]]> Back Up Your Data Or Suffer The Consequences http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-up-your-data-or-suffer-the-consequences http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-up-your-data-or-suffer-the-consequences#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:39:59 +0000 hard drive failuredisaster recoverynatural disasterbackup routinedata backupcomputerto no avail http://www.artwoo.com/article/back-up-your-data-or-suffer-the-consequences hard drive failure? Normally, your data can be recovered from a failed hard drive. Janet, a client experienced her first hard drive failure last spring, this is her story.

Simply stated, Janet's overheated. And Janet got the blue screen of death. After the blue screen, her computer would not boot. All of the normal troubleshooting methods were applied . So, the hard drive was sent out to a data recovery company. The good news is the company recovered 99% of Janet's files. The bad news is it cost her $2,692.50. A data would have saved Janet a small fortune.

Now take a moment to think about all the documents, spreadsheets, data files, music, pictures and emails that are stored on your computer. Wow! It's really your data that makes your computer indispensable. Your data is a vital asset to your professional and personal life. Unfortunately, many people only realize this after a hard drive crash, virus, or destroys their files.

A routine serves two purposes. A data backup routine protects your data. And if you store the backup data properly then it provides .

There are many ways to backup your data. Windows computers include a backup component but you may have to install it. Or you can just burn your data to media such as a DVD or CD. If you require real time backup then your computer can be upgraded to support this. The most important thing is to remember to back up your data periodically. There are no fast and hard rules for this but at least monthly. If you use your computer for business then consider backing up data weekly or even daily.

Once you create a backup, you have to store it in a safe place. A properly stored backup provides a disaster recovery benefit. In the unlikely event of a fire, flood, theft, or other calamity, you would want some distance between the computer and its backup. For routine data, you could store the backup in another room in your home. If the data is confidential, business related, or truly irreplaceable then store it in a fire proof box. You can purchase a fire proof box for your important papers and data for a few hundred dollars. If you just want a greater measure of physical security then store it in a bank safety deposit box.

A data backup routine will protect your data, provide disaster recovery, and may potentially save you a bundle of cash. Remember to back up your data periodically. As a matter of fact, go make a back up now. Stay Two Steps Ahead, Put the Internet to Work for YOU! Get the skills you need, sign up for Sean's NO COST live event at http://www.computersmart.biz! ]]> Organizing: andquot;it's A Disaster!andquot; http://www.artwoo.com/article/organizing-its-a-disaster http://www.artwoo.com/article/organizing-its-a-disaster#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:15:01 +0000 disasterdoes existchronic stressstress levelsinboxstacksclutter http://www.artwoo.com/article/organizing-its-a-disaster disaster!" How many times have we heard someone make that comment as they search for a missing document?

There are many degrees of what constitutes a disaster depending on the person's tolerance level for disorganization. For some, two of papers or one overflowing is a disaster. For others, having to kick a path through the stacks and on the floor, which overflowed from desks and cabinets, is now a disaster.

Disaster: Level One In determining whether disorganization , there are two areas to consider: 1.Am I wasting time trying to find something that should have a specific place and be easily retrievable? 2.Is the clutter draining my energy and creating ?

With the demands on our time today, we need systems in place that allow us to locate any document within seconds. Spending extra minutes.. or hours.. searching for something is definitely not the most productive use of our time. It cuts into our income and increases our . The clearer we can keep our space, both at work and at home, the more productive and less stressed we are.

Disaster: Level Two On a personal level, no one ever likes to consider that there might be an accident or personal emergency that could keep us out of the office unexpectedly for weeks. If that scenario occurred, would someone else be able to determine what you had planned to work on each day during that time and be able to have the priority activities covered?



Within a department, disorganization in our office is not simply a personal issue. One stressed, overwhelmed person in a department can affect all the others. This person interrupts others in seeking information that was already provided and often doesn't have his or her part of a project completed on time. As stress builds up, it in turn can lead to illness and absenteeism, adding more pressure and responsibility onto colleagues who then have to cover for that disorganized party.

Disaster: Level Three Taking disorganization with your paperwork to another level, how would you cope with a natural disaster in your area? What would it take to retrieve your important records if your office were destroyed in a fire? If a tornado lifted your house, how difficult would it be to recreate the figures needed for insurance? If you were named executor of an estate, would you be able to locate all needed documents?

As we struggle to keep up with the incoming demands placed on us every day, we often don't take the time to be prepared for emergencies. We know we need to be ready, but there seem to be so many urgent tasks at this moment. Planning for the future is put off for another time. Yet we don't know when that time might come.

Here's a short checklist of basic measures:

1) Is the computer backed up on a regular basis and the backup kept offsite? 2) Do you have a master list for all of your financial information? 3) Does someone outside your home and office have a copy of your master list? 4) Can someone besides yourself and your spouse access your safe deposit box? 5) Are beneficiaries up-to-date?

Disasters of a natural type have been major news in the last year. From wildfires and flooding to the four hurricanes in a row that hit Florida, followed within a few short months by the Pacific tsunami, with its almost incomprehensible losses, and then a regional earthquake, we find ourselves bombarded by tragedy.

In addition to loss of life from the tsunami, another fall-out in that region related to loss of documents. In an area where many of the developing countries relied only on paper records, most of these were destroyed. Since bank records were lost, customers had to prove they had money in an account or else hope that the teller recognized them. Police no longer had records to prosecute cases. Marriage certificates and other vital records were gone, leading to long waits for basic services.

By contrast, since so many of our records in the United States are stored digitally, after 9/11 some survivors and companies were able to recreate lost documents more easily. However the fact that our records are often stored "somewhere" doesn't do away with the necessity for having a list that we ourselves keep, whether for insurance claims or for our survivors. Without notes, we often can't recall all of our own accounts. Just consider the pages of unclaimed accounts that are periodically listed in the newspapers. How can we expect someone else to piece everything together when it's even difficult to set up our own recordings?

Emergencies and disasters do not give advance warning. It's worth taking the time now to organize your papers, at work and at home, to minimize the damage that can occur at every level. Make sure that your life, both personal and business, doesn't echo the refrain caused by nature when we say, "It's a disaster!" Denise Landers is the owner of Key Organization Systems (http://www.keyorganization.com). She provides group productivity training and one-on-one assistance for businesses and individuals to organize their time, space, and information. She can be reached at 281-397-0015. ]]> Accessing Disaster Recovery Services Key to Business Continuity Planning For Small Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessing-disaster-recovery-services-key-to-business-continuity-planning-for-small-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessing-disaster-recovery-services-key-to-business-continuity-planning-for-small-business#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:15:29 +0000 business continuity and disaster recoverybusiness continuity and disaster recovery planningavian fluebusiness computer systemscantor fitzgeraldbrink of disasterdisaster recovery services http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessing-disaster-recovery-services-key-to-business-continuity-planning-for-small-business disaster recovery services in the event that your company's computer network goes down or there is a massive failure of your IT infrastructure is not a huge concern for large business. Generally, large companies, irrespective if they are intense users of IT resources, have professional planners dedicated to planning. But for smaller companies who may not have the time or resources to devote to disaster planning, being able to locate and access experienced professionals who can recover data and get a small or mid-sized company's computer network and IT infrastructure up and running quickly can be the difference between a business setback and permanently closing your company's doors.

In today's business world sudden and unexpected business interruptions can come from many varied sources. Whether from flood, fire or the , tornadoes or terrorism, an unexpected event or unexpected confluence of events can shut down a business quickly, and the amount of time it takes for that business to get up and running again will largely determine the bottom lie impact of the unexpected. And the key to getting a business up and running quickly will usually depend on how quickly the business' computer systems can be recovered.

On September 11, 2001, New York brokerage firm lost its offices and 680 of its 1,000 employees when terrorists leveled the World Trade Center. Cantor Fitzgerald was able to stay in business only because of a competitor that in an act of altruism and empathy offered the managers and employees who survived the terrorist attack the use of a fully equipped back up trading floor from which the survivors of 9-11 could revive the decimated company.

Examples of recovery from the are not usually so dramatic - or inspiring. Unexpected business disasters can and usually do arise from the more mundane and everyday events we hear of. Anything from fire to flooding caused by a burst pipe, to a breakdown in the computer equipment that forms the information and data backbone of virtually every business today, can force a company to stop operations until its IT systems are up and running again.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of expertise available for companies to tap into when the unexpected and unanticipated arise. For small businesses that cannot or do not expend the time and resources in preparedness planning and have not developed a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, a well-resourced computer equipment rentals firm can often supply and configure the computers and servers that will enable a business owner to recover the data and get his or her business up and running quickly after a business disaster. Where data has been lost, compromised or seems unrecoverable, data recovery and data forensics specialists can often step in and recover most if not all of the stored information that a business requires. (Of course, it helps if your system is already configured to backup and store data offsite.)

While may not be a practical reality for the small business owner, for any growth or mid-sized company it becomes an ever-growing necessity. Just like insurance, the risk that is run by not having a disaster recovery plan eventually outweighs the costs in time and planning resources that help ensure your business will be able to survive an unexpected business disruption.

Once a business recovery plan is formulated, it should be tested. Again, specialists at a well-resourced business computer rental firm with expertise in providing disaster recovery services can assist in providing, configuring and setting up a backup computer network to test how your firm will be able to respond to a business disruption. A dry run of your business continuity plan will reveal any holes or oversights in your planning, and will allow you to further refine the model of how your business would cope with a sudden emergency that might otherwise force you to suspend or terminate operations.For more information on disaster recovery services visit http://www.VernonComputerSource.com or call 1-800-827-0352.]]>