Set up a Disaster Plan for Your Business and Employees

If disaster strikes your business, will you be ready?

Businesses that have continuity plans in place – and use them during and after disaster strikes – typically experience less damage, loss and downtime than businesses without a plan. Those that don’t have such a plan struggle to reopen – if at all.

According to the Insurance Institute for Home and Business Safety, one in four businesses involved in a natural disaster or emergency never reopen for business.

The BBB offers the following tips for creating a disaster plan for your business:

Don’t be caught off guard. Consider the different types of disasters – fire, flood, tornado – that can occur and how each could impact your business, whether for a few days or several weeks or months.

Know your surroundings. Determine how your business will operate if displaced from your current building. Can employees work from home? Is there an alternate location that could be used as a temporary storefront or office?

Prepare staff. Identify essential staff and keep a list of their phone numbers and email addresses that can be accessed by employees from several locations (home, Internet, etc.).

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Devise an emergency communications plan that outlines how your business will communicate with employees, customers, vendors and other key external contacts following a disaster. Contact vendors and suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures. Be prepared to use alternate vendors for essential supplies and equipment. Keep backup equipment in good working condition.

Have an up-to-date inventory of your assets. Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for items you cannot afford to lose. A standard policy may not cover business interruption losses.

Store your documents safely and efficiently. Keep duplicates of personnel, payroll, payables and receivables, and other essential records at an off-site location. Regularly make backup copies of important computer files.

Establish a succession of management. Determine who will manage the company if key leaders are unavailable.

Start With Trust. For trustworthy consumer tips and information, visit wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371. 
 

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