Business Survival Plan

Objective  Prepare your business for survival in and after a disaster

Steps
1. Develop Continuity Plan
2. Prepare for Utility Outages
3. Implement Emergency Plan
4. Implement Information Security Plan

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How quickly your company can get back to business after a terrorist attack, a tornado, a fire, or a flood often depends on emergency planning done today. When you also consider that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990's compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds.

America's businesses form the backbone of the nation's economy; small businesses alone account for more than 99% of all companies with employees, employ 50% of all private sector workers and provide nearly 45% of the nation's payroll. If businesses are ready to survive and recover, the nation and economy are more secure. A commitment to planning today will help support employees, customers, the community, the local economy and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better survival profile.

Business continuity and crisis management can be complex issues depending on the particular industry, size and scope of your business. However, putting a plan in motion will improve the likelihood that your company will survive and recover. Companies that already have their emergency plans in place can continue to help create a more robust sustainable community by mentoring businesses in their own supply chain and others needing advice.

Stay in Business

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.

Be informed
Risk assessment is a sophisticated area of expertise that can range from self-assessment to an extensive engineering study. The specific industry, size and scope of your individual company will determine your organization's risk assessment needs.

Prepare for Utility Disruptions

Businesses are often dependent on electricity, gas, telecommunications, sewer and other utilities.

1. Plan ahead for extended disruptions during and after a disaster. Carefully examine which utilities are vital to your business's day-to-day operation. Speak with service providers about potential alternatives and identify back-up options.
    
2. Learn how and when to turn off utilities. If you turn the gas off, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
    
3. Consider purchasing portable generators to power the vital aspects of your business in an emergency. Never use a generator inside as it may produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. It is a good idea to pre-wire the generator to the most important equipment. Periodically test the backup system's operability.
    
4. Decide how you will communicate with employees, customers, suppliers and others. Use cell phones, walkie-talkies, or other devices that do not rely on electricity as a back-up to your telecommunications system.
    
5. Plan a secondary means of accessing the Internet if it is vital to your company's day-to-day operations.
    
6. If food storage or refrigeration is an issue for your business, identify a vendor in advance that sells ice and dry ice in case you can't use refrigeration equipment.

Emergency Supplies

When preparing for emergency situations, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Encourage everyone to have a Portable Kit customized to meet personal needs, such as essential medications.

1. NOAA weather radio
    
   • With tone-alert feature, if possible, that automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued in your area. Tone-alert is not available in some areas.
   • Include extra batteries.
   • It is recommended that you have both a battery-powered commercial radio and a NOAA weather radio with an alert function. The NOAA weather radio can alert you to weather emergencies or announcements from the Department of Homeland Security. The commercial radio is a good source for news and information from local authorities.
      
2. Keep copies of important records such as site maps, building plans, insurance policies, employee contact and identification information, bank account records, supplier and shipping contact lists, computer backups, emergency or law enforcement contact information and other priority documents in a waterproof, fireproof portable container. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.
    
3. Talk to your co-workers about what emergency supplies the company can feasibly provide, if any, and which ones individuals should consider keeping on hand.

   Recommended business site emergency supplies include:

   • Water, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
   • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
   • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
   • Flashlight and extra batteries
   • First Aid kit
   • Whistle to signal for help
   • Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter
   • Pre-Moistened wipes for sanitation
   • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
   • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
   • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to "seal the room"
   • Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

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