Planning to stay in business goes beyond market readiness, the economy and
your business plan. It includes continuity and emergency planning. How quickly your business recovers from a natural or man-made disaster depends largely on how well you prepare. Your continuity plan must account for all types of hazards and business interruptions. Fire is the most common of all business disasters, and our drought conditions magnify the risk. While the City of Leander works hard to prepare for growth, secure adequate
resources, plan public safety and train for disaster readiness, planning what your business will do if it is damaged, or you are required to evacuate, is essential. Create a crisis management procedure and define individual responsibilities
in advance. Talk with your staff to review and practice what you intend to do
during and after an emergency. Review insurance coverage to ensure it is adequate in the event your
business is destroyed, damaged or interrupted. Store records your insurance
provider will want to see after an emergency in a safe place. Prepare for utility disruptions by examining which utilities are vital to your
business’s day-to-day operation. Identify back-up options such as portable
generators. Plan how to replace or repair vital equipment, and store extra supplies for
use in an emergency, and know what production machinery, computers, custom parts or other essential equipment are needed to keep your business open. Back-up tax and financial records and other vital information stored on
computer hard drives. Securely store files offsite at least 500 miles away.
Source: www.capcog.org, www.sba.gov
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