National Preparedness Month: Plan to Stay in Business

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

photo by ready.gov

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year, for National Preparedness Month during the month of September, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business askes companies to take three simple steps:

• Plan to stay in business
• Encourage your employees to become Ready;
• Protect your investment

Tips to help Businesses be Ready

Ready Business, an extension of Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare their employees, operations and assets in the event of an emergency. At Ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

• Update and Distribute Emergency Contact Information to your Employees. Additionally, you can create and distribute a list of important emergency numbers in the areas you do business.
• Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your company’s emergency plans.
• Conduct Office Evacuation/Shelter-in-Place Exercises and Drills. Once completed, evaluate how well they worked and if additional training or exercises are needed.
• Put Emergency Items on Display. Showcase an Emergency Supply Kit in your break room or other high-traffic locations and encourage employees to get their own Emergency Supply Kits for their homes.