WORCESTER, Mass., July 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- While natural and man-made disasters present a significant risk to small and mid-sized businesses, just one in four has a disaster recovery plan in place. With this in mind, The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE: THG) is offering tips to help business owners prepare for and recover from disaster.

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"With more and more weather-related disasters occurring across the country, it is critical for a business to have a plan," said Jack Roche, president of business insurance at The Hanover." A disaster can put a company's ongoing operations at risk. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, almost 40 percent of businesses that are impacted by disasters never re-open. Business owners who leverage the available resources and take the time to create strong and flexible recovery plans greatly improve the chances their businesses will persevere in the face of a disaster."

The Hanover offers the following advice for business owners intent on building an effective recovery plan.


    --  Begin by consulting a local independent insurance agent. He or she can
        help you build a comprehensive plan. That plan should include an annual
        review and re-assessment.
    --  Be sure you have insurance protection for the most likely disaster
        scenarios.  Fire and severe weather are common threats.
    --  Maintain a list of alternate work sites. You will want to get back in
        business quickly following a disaster. Companies that are not able to
        resume operations within 10 days of a disaster are at a greater risk of
        failure.
    --  Plan for easy access to your business records. Your plan should include
        back-up access to both electronic and paper records, as that information
        is often the lifeblood of the business.
    --  Have important contact information readily available. You will want to
        be able to reach employees, key customers, contractors, vendors, your
        insurance and financial advisors by phone, email, or social media.
    --  Know how you will re-engage with your customers. You do not want to lose
        any more momentum than is absolutely necessary. Depending on the nature
        of your business and the habits of your customers, you may use social
        media, email, paid advertising, or a sign in your window. Whatever the
        mediums, be ready to communicate.
    --  Share your plan with your team.  Be sure your employees understand the
        importance of preparation and safety, as well as getting back to work
        quickly.  It is helpful to get their buy in.

As a leading provider of property and casualty insurance to businesses, individuals and families nationwide, The Hanover is committed to helping its independent agent partners as they help their customers prepare for disaster. For more information, The Hanover encourages business owners to view The Hanover's Disaster Recovery Guide at http://www.hanover.com/risksolutions/open-for-business.html

To find an agent in your area who can assist you with disaster and insurance planning for your business, visit the "Find an Agent" tab on www.hanover.com.

ABOUT THE HANOVER

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is one of the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States. For more than 160 years, The Hanover has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of agents and brokers. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes including political risk, marine, aviation and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

CONTACT:
 Emily Trevallion
Media Relations
etrevallion@hanover.com
(508) 855-3263

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

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SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.