Planning for Crisis

Every business owner should prepare for the next big emergency. This piece covers how to write an emergency preparedness plan in seven steps.

Key takeaways:

• How to assess the risks to your business
• Gathering employee information and developing an evacuation procedure
• Backing up important files

SOURCE:  US Chamber of Commerce 10.1.21

Hurricanes. Floods. Earthquakes. Pandemics. These natural disasters can devastate entire communities and small businesses along with them — even forcing some to close. That’s why it’s important to have a disaster plan in place before the unexpected occurs.

Key takeaways:

• Steps to take prior to an emergency
• Checklist to help manage priorities during a disaster
• Top concerns for your business after a disaster

SOURCE:  Practical Business Skills

The OFB-EZ (Open for Business-EZ) toolkit helps small businesses take important steps they need to keep functioning in the event of a major disaster or even a small disruption. The goal is to continue to perform the most critical operations, which will help reduce short- and long-term losses to your bottom line.
Key takeaways:

• What you should consider when it comes to operations, employees, finances and equipment
• How to reduce potential disruptionHow to test your plan
• Different technologies that can help manage staff and serve customers

SOURCE:  Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety

Can your company bounce back after an emergency? This article reviews how to create a business disaster plan that protects your customers, clients, and property.

Key takeaways:        

• Why your business needs to prepare for a disaster
• 5 tips for preparing for a disaster
• Disaster toolkits and recovery resources

SOURCE:  The Ascent 8.5.22

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), half of all small businesses shut down permanently after a disaster. And of those that cease operating for a week, 90% will fail within a year. Businesses need to make time to plan, and there are great tools that can help you do this effectively.

Key takeaways:        

• Best practices for conducting a risk assessment
• How to develop a disaster plan and resources to help
• Tips for implementation

SOURCE:  JAISIN 7.27.22

To lessen the losses from a natural disaster and speed up the steps to recovery a disaster plan and adequate insurance are vital.

Key takeaways:      

• Key elements of a business recovery plan
• What to consider when reviewing insurance plans
• Basic commercial insurance to consider

SOURCE:  Insurance Information Institute

This infographic provides the eight steps businesses should follow when impacted by a disaster.

Key takeaways:        

• Developing backup plans for communications and crisis response teams
• Why it is ok to over-communicate during a crisis
• How to show support for community and employees during difficult times 

SOURCE:  US Chamber of Commerce

Smart planning can help you keep your business running if disaster strikes. You’ll want to take the right steps to prevent and prepare for disaster, and know where to get aid if you are impacted by a disaster.

Key takeaways:        

• What to consider when preparing for an emergency including key risks and protecting equipment and data
• Checklists and safety tips for common disasters including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and cyber attacks
• Disaster assistance loans and other financial recovery options to help small businesses after an event

SOURCE:  US Small Business Administration

SOURCE:  Business News Daily 8.23.22