Step 1

• Take the “Is Your Business Ready” Questionnaire to determine if your business can handle disruptions of normal operations due to natural or man-made disasters.   

Step 2

• Develop a Business Continuity Plan to ensure core functions and key personnel are identified and to ensure normal operations are resumed as quickly as possible.

Step 3

• Promote Employee/Individual Preparedness:
• Distribute information and offer training for all employees on Individual and Family Preparedness.
• Complete Out-of-Area Contact information card.
• Maintain individual 72-Hour Comfort Kits in the office.

Step 4

• Conduct a Non-Structural Hazard Assessment of your workplace. Take steps to reduce potential impacts.

Step 5

• Develop and test Emergency Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place at Your Business that includes site specific information for each business location.

Step 6

• Take steps to protect vital records. 

Step 7

• Develop a communication plan:
• List key contacts: Personnel, Vendors and Suppliers, Contacts.
• Develop a Media Communication Plan.

Step 8

• Review insurance coverage form on annual basis to ensure you have adequate coverage to meet your risk level.

Step 9

• Learn how to drill/exercise using ICS principals. (Sample Earthquake Tabletop exercise).
• Update plan to include changes from lessons learned.

Step 10

• Complete the Key Vendors and Suppliers Form and ensure they have a Continuity Plan to validate integration of plans.  

Step 11

• Collaborate with local neighborhoods, community/volunteer groups, and businesses to promote disaster preparedness and plan for community recovery.

Step 12

• Get to know your local fire, law enforcement, and local Emergency Management  personnel; discuss their role and how you can support their response to your business if an event occurs.