final report to california seismic safety commission by priscilla lopez chairperson, california...

Final Report to California

Seismic Safety Commission

ByPriscilla Lopez

Chairperson, California Small Business Development Leadership Council

March 13, 2014

Disaster Preparedness Contract• Survey to Small Businesses to find out if they are ready or

have thought about preparing for a disaster?• Identify type of business or industry• Specific needs pertaining to specific types of businesses• One RT Green Ticket donated by Southwest Airlines as

incentive for small businesses to complete the survey

• Second part of contract:• Gather best practices from sister SBDCs nationwide: Louisiana

(Hurricane Katrina), Missiouri (Joplin), New York & New Jersey (Hurricane Sandy)• Tips for small businesses – Toolkit/brochure

Quick Survey Results Facts• Survey opened on December 5, 2013• 213 Responses• 49% Sole Proprietors, 43% Incorporated• 27% in business 20 years or more, 18% 2-5 years in business,

17% in Start-up phase

Survey Results• What industry is your business in?

Results• Do you own or lease your physical location?

Results• Do you back-up your business data regularly?

Results• How many employees does your business employ, including

yourself?

Results:• What do you perceive to be your greatest disaster threat to

your business?

Results:• Do you currently carry natural disaster insurance?

Results:• Other than rapidly restoring water and power, what is the

most important action(s) the State can take to assist your business immediately after a disaster?

• Examples below:

• “The State should have an active Disaster Plan in place at all times. Providing a sense of control can bring a more functional and effective plan into action.”

• “Communications and transportation systems.”• “Prevent crime and looting.”• “Provide economic relief.”

Results:• Continued:

• “Restore the Internet”• “Make disaster funding available ASAP”• “Suspend any impeding regulations that act as barriers to

getting back up and running after disaster.”• “Community generators and mobile charging stations.”

Summary• Survey ended on Februrary 28th

• Winner of Southwest Airlines raffle announced in March • Best practices manual to be uploaded to CASBDC.org website;

and recommend to be uploaded to Seismic Safety Commission and Go-Biz

• Follow-up phase for outreach workshops and awareness campaign