Nature - Guide to dealing with disasters for craft businesses
Craft businesses, according to the Chamber of Crafts Koblenz, should deal with the hazards of natural disasters in a timely manner. "Natural disasters can be existential and affect anyone - including your craft business," it says in a guide developed by the Chamber and insurance company Debeka, which was presented on a Thursday in the Ahr Valley. Therefore, it is important to deal with the topic in a timely manner.
"This guide is intended to help craft businesses prepare for natural disasters, take preventive measures, and react correctly in case of emergencies," Debeka stated. The location of the presentation in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler was not chosen by chance: According to the Chamber of Crafts Koblenz, over 500 craft businesses were affected by the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley about three years ago.
The guide is divided into three focus areas: prevention, measures during an emergency, and after a damage event. For example, craft businesses are advised to create a contingency plan, determine a crisis communication representative, review insurance coverage, and set up evacuation areas for prevention.
Regarding behavior during a natural disaster, the guide states: "Maintain calm and adhere to your contingency plan." and "Communicate clearly and regularly with your employees, customers, suppliers, and authorities." After a flood, landslide, or similar event, the focus is then on damage assessment. In addition, the Chamber of Crafts advises rapid drying of the building and checking electrical appliances before operation.
- Leveraging the guidance provided by the Chamber of Crafts Koblenz and Debeka Insurance Group, craft businesses in Rhineland-Palatinate should evaluate their insurance coverages related to natural disasters.
- The presentation of the disaster preparedness guide, developed by the Chamber and Debeka, took place in the heart of the Ahr Valley, a region that suffered significant losses during the 2018 flood disaster.
- Given the impact of natural disasters on craft businesses, Debeka emphasized the importance of having a craft business disaster guide, which can help navigate the complexities of such events.
- After a natural disaster such as a flood, landslide, or similar, craft businesses in Bad Neuenahr and its surrounding areas should focus on conducting a thorough damage assessment and drying out their buildings.
- As part of the prevention focus area in the disaster guide, craft businesses are encouraged to establish evacuation plans, assign a crisis communication representative, and review their insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.
- Craft businesses should adhere to their contingency plans and communicate clearly during natural disasters to ensure the well-being of their employees, customers, suppliers, and authorities.
- The responsible Chamber of Crafts in Koblenz highlighted the devastating impact of the 2018 flood disaster, highlighting the importance of proactive disaster preparation in the Ahr Valley's craft business sector.
