Business Plan Plan to Stay in BusinessBusiness continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). 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. Carefully evaluate internal and external operations to determine which staff members, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.

• 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.

Talk to Your PeopleA solid business emergency plan only works if everyone on your team is aware of the plan and the actions they need to take.

• 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.

Protect Your InvestmentAs well as planning for an emergency, you can also take steps to protect your company and secure your physical assets.

• 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.