Birmingham Business Journal – January 24, 2012

Just one day after another deadly tornado struck Alabama, the Tornado Recovery Action Council established in the aftermath of the April 2011 tornadoes has offered several recommendations to improve the state’s disaster readiness and recovery.

According to the lengthy report, the council offered several recommendations that could impact the state’s businesses.

Here’s a roundup of some of those recommendations:

• The establishment of a statewide fortification standards for construction of new, rebuilt or remodeled homes. That would also include an inspection process and enforcement rules to ensure companies.
• Providing incentives for businesses that purchase generators or rewire their facilities to accommodate generators.
• Establishment of a sales tax holiday for the purchase of items related to severe-weather preparation, such as first-aid supplies, flashlights, weather radios and emergency kits. Several coastal states offer similar tax holidays for hurricane preparedness.
• Establishment of a nonprofit to seek federal and private funds for a state program offering low-interest loans and financial assistance to build homes and expand businesses after a disaster.
• Provide incentives for businesses to rebuild using loans, grants or tax credits.

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