FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

Planning Tool Helps Guide Disaster Preparation and Recovery Strategies

Words: Lisa HagensonThe skies are clear. The river is at its normal level. Authorities are reporting a low risk of wildfire. Fault lines have been quiet. It’s tempting to operate your business as if these will always be the case. But what will you do when disaster strikes? Ask any business owner who has been through a disaster – thorough preparation makes all the difference.

When you experience a catastrophe, the trauma and stress make it difficult, if not impossible, to think clearly enough to begin setting things right. And unless you’ve collected all the documents and information you need for operational continuity, you’ll have a hard time getting things moving again.

Federated Mutual Insurance Company® offers the resources you need to prepare your business for a disaster with the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Open for Business-EZ® program. The program, available online or in print, guides business owners through the process of developing a plan to help keep a business profitable after a disaster.

The toolkit contains documents to record information about the major areas of your business, including basic operations, equipment, employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, finances, and information technology. It also helps you record and assess your risk for a variety of natural and man-made disasters, and test your plan for reaction and recovery. To access the toolkit, visit the IBHS website, or log on to Federated’s Shield Network and click on “IBHS — Disaster Planning.”

The IBHS website also offers a tool that helps users identify threats specific to their geographic region, helping to focus preparedness efforts. It also provides information on best practices, including assessments, guides, and checklists to help prepare for these perils:
  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Freezing weather
  • Hail
  • High winds
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Wildfire
The site www.disastersafety.org, is also great for employees of the business to learn how to prepare for disasters. A business cannot recover unless they have employees that can help and employees can’t help the business until they have their own personal situation under control. For more information on OFB-EZ® and the library of other risk management resources Federated Insurance® offers, contact your local Federated marketing representative.
 0
2026 Masonry Alliance Program Spots Now Open To All Suppliers
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has officially opened all remaining spots for its 2026 Masonry Alliance Program (MAP) to the public. Following the renewal period for current partners, a limited number of positions are now available.

Read More
The QUIKRETE Companies Continues Its Multi-Tiered Involvement in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is happy to announce that The QUIKRETE Companies will reaffirm its significant, multi-level commitment for the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
Precision, Performance, and Innovation for Masonry Professionals
November 2025

For many masons and contractors, EZG is synonymous with reliable, durable, and efficient equipment. Tools like the Mud Hog Mixer, the Grout Hog Material Delivery System, and Hog Pumps have become staples on job sites across the country. But behind every p

Abigail Spung
MAP Partner
Read More
AVAILABLE NOW: The GEORGE Wall Evaluation Hardware and Software Kit
November 2025

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the GEORGE Wall Evaluation Kit, a revolutionary all-in-one system built specifically for the entire masonry industry.

Dan Kamys
Read More