Code Red Wins Award to Host Free Workshops for Emergency Prep For Businesses

PROVIDENCE – Mayor Angel Taveras hosted the first of a number of free workshops for city business owners, to help them prepare their operations against the ravages of natural and man-made disasters. The workshop – which will be repeated on June 6 at The Providence Chamber of Commerce, offered specific guidance on how to protect personnel, assets and critical business functions and services during a time of crisis.

The workshop, held at Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, was sponsored by the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and Code Red Business Continuity Services LLC. The seminars are part of the City’s emergency preparedness effort, under the direction of Colonel Peter Gaynor, Director of PEMA, and are funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative).

“The time to prepare for disaster is long before it strikes. Too often, businesses owners – especially our smaller businesses – are not prepared for the losses they can sustain. Waiting for disaster relief can spell the difference between staying in or going out of business,” said Mayor Taveras. “Simple but essential life- and property-planning measures can save lives and mitigate losses.”

The seminar offered specific guidance on how companies can assess risk, create a Business Continuity Plan, focus on emergency response and carry out plans following a disaster. The goal is to help business owners continue operations or resume operations more quickly. Attendees were given a free business continuity template, and provided an on-line Strategy Assessment to determine readiness and resiliency when disaster strikes. They were also given a chance to win a full Business Continuity Plan, prepared by experts.

The workshops included leaders from Code Red Business Continuity Services LLC., Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and the Providence Emergency Management Agency. To register for the final workshop, visit www.providenceri.com/PEMA/business-resilience.

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PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release
Contact: Mike Raia, Director of Communications
401.421.2489

Director Peter Gaynor, Director of Providence Emergency Mngt. Agency
401-680-8000