Be Prepared – Business Community

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Be Prepared – Individuals and Families Be Prepared – Local Governments Be Prepared – Business Community

Careful planning and communication will assist businesses when preparing for an emergency. If a business has to close because of an emergency, having established plans and practices in place may lessen the impact to the operation. These plans and communication strategies will allow business owners to communicate key information to their staff and customers more effectively. Furthermore implementation of these initiatives may extend the duration of their business operations prior to a closure and may subsequently contribute to the resumption of business in a timelier manner.

KNOW THE RISKS

Is the business located in a forested area? Flood zone? Susceptible to a cyber-attack?

Do you have insurance?

  • Most insurance agencies have risk management experts that can help you plan for emergencies
  • Review coverage to ensure disaster events such as flooding, sewage backup, fire, etc are covered to protect your property

Back-up data

  • Store existing paperwork offsite or scan to a cloud based storage
  • Utilize a system that everyone can use remotely where information is located on one server

MAKE A PLAN

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Designate a person or committee to develop the plan with these priorities in place; safety of staff, protection of property, continuity of operation. This plan should be reviewed on an annual basis. You will need to consider:

  • Can employees work remotely? Do they have the tools to do so?
  • Are there emergency kits and do employees know where they are located?
  • What role will the employees have?
  • Are drills conducted? Do employees know how to evacuate the building?
  • How will you communicate with employees? With customers?
  • Can the business operate remotely? Is back-up power required?

Develop a Communications Plan

  • How will the business communicate with customers? What will the message be? Will there be a change in location? Hours? Contact information?
  • How will the business communicate with employees? What will the message be? Will they work from home? Are they safe to come to the business location? Have their hours of employment changed?