The Marietta Fire Department offers tips to protect businesses, limit losses and restore operations after a disaster.

State and federal officials say it's a good idea to include disaster preparations while planning a business because restoring business is an important part of recovery from disasters.

"It is important to protect the staff, building, data and inventory of a company during a disaster and to prepare a plan to continue operations after almost everything is destroyed," Marietta Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs said.

What to include in your plan

• Provisions to relocate to a pre-identified site
• Data, including employee, customer and vendor records
• A way to operate efficiently with a smaller staff of key individuals

Protect Your Property or Business from Disaster

"Small businesses can take the lead in the Georgia recovery," GEMA Director Charley English said. "When local businesses are able to reopen quickly following a disaster they not only serve as engines of recovery, they also help to restore a sense of community normalcy."

"Just as individuals and families should be prepared, businesses should be disaster-ready," English said. "A sound business strategy should include a disaster preparedness plan and perhaps a continuity of operations plan."

For more information, call the Marietta Fire Department at 770-794-5461.