Fires Continue To Challenge

All of us remember the nightmare of October 2017 that devastated Santa Rosa, much of Sonoma County and the Redwood Empire. Now, once again the skies are choked with the hazy smoke from yet more wildfires; these being early in the season. How much damage will this one do? How many homes and businesses will be lost?

We are finding this to also be part of our “New Normal” just as the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we treat patients.

What we can do involves being prepared.

• If you have not done so recently, have your fire insurance policies reviewed. The sad stories of those who lost their homes in 2017 only to find themselves underinsured doubles the blow.

• Consider multiple backups of your patient and office data. Be sure you use HIPAA compliant backup services. Have an onsite backup as well as an online backup so that in the event of a total loss you may re-establish yourself more quickly.

• Document your personal and your office possessions. Utilizing a video with your cell phone to identify your assets will speed in your claim process.

• Work to clear out cluttered files and cabinets. Check the CDA website on the length of time you need to retain financial and patient data. Everything else should be marked for our next Shred-A-Thon.

• Keep yourself and your staff safe. Keep current on the progression of the fires and of evacuation orders. Be ready to go quickly.