Fay looms - use technology for hurricane preparedness

Businesses should utilize technology to help prepare for
natural disasters such as hurricanes.

During the 15 years I lived in Florida, I got plenty of experience in having plans in place in case a hurricane headed our way.

Part of that was the thick booklet my employer put out each year at the beginning of summer - the book that gave each of us instructions on what to do in case of a storm. It emphasized making sure your family was safe, then you were responsible for reporting to work.

And I recall many folks wondering where the safety was in that plan. Drive to work in the middle of a hurricane? Er, perhaps not such a good idea.

These days, with more and more workers able to telecommute, those plans should include having the ability to remain online and productive when not at the office - especially when the office is in the path of the storm, as many will be this week with likely Hurricane Fay predicted to cross over Florida.

Here's an article that deals with just that - keeping employees productive by using technology to make the office wherever the worker happens to be.

Businesses should recognize that having workers set up to work remotely makes smart business sense. It can cut down on costs such as renting office space, utility costs - and it saves workers money, especially with high gas prices.

It can help them stay safe, too - especially when big storms or other disasters strike.