Disasters strike every day and they strike QUICKLY! People don't plan to participate in a disaster. Unfortunatly, many don't prepare to avoid consequences either.
In the past few days we started a series on being prepared. Today I'll share some awesome resources that will help you map out your plan in no time.
http://www.ready.gov/business/index.html has some great worksheets that you can use to think through all of the emergency plans you need to have in place for your business (they have them for home and kids too.) As their site says: “Business continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). You should plan in advance to manage any emergency situation. Assess the situation, use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business's recovery.”
Here is a summary of what you will find on this site.
Costs to be Prepared – http://www.ready.gov/business/overview/over-cost.html – This page goes through the various things you need to do to be prepared and the associated costs. There are no cost items all the way to $500+ activities.
- Be Informed – Know what kinds of emergencies might affect your company.
- Continuity Planning – Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally.
- Emergency Planning – Your employees and co-workers are your business's most important and valuable asset.
- Emergency Supplies – Think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
- Deciding to Stay or Go – Shelter-in-place or evacuate, plan for both possibilities.
- Fire Safety – Fire is the most common of all business disasters.
- Medical Emergencies – Take steps that give you the upper hand in responding to medical emergencies.
- Influenza Pandemic – The federal government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.
- Involve Co-Workers – Include people from all levels in emergency planning.
- Practice the Plan – Drills and exercises will help you prepare.
- Promote Preparedness – Encourage your employees and their families to: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
- Crisis Communication Plan – Detail how you will be in contact with employees, customers and others during and after a disaster.
- Employee Health – People who have experienced a disaster may have special recovery needs.
- Insurance Coverage – Policies vary, meet with your provider to review current coverage.
- Utility Disruptions – Prepare for extended outages during and after a disaster.
- Facilities, Buildings & Plants – Take steps to secure physical assets.
- Equipment – Conduct a room-by-room walk-through to determine what needs to be secured.
- Building Air Protection – Assess the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality.
- Cyber Security – Protect your data and information technology systems.
Check it out and take action! As my dad says, “Hope is NOT a Plan! Be Prepared!”
To your success!
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