Disasters can be catastrophic to businesses and local economies. Small businesses — which are the majority of businesses on the North Shore — are especially vulnerable to the impacts of disasters.
If a business fails in an emergency, the households that rely on that business will have difficulty recovering.
Tips for preparing your business
To ensure your business is better prepared to survive and recover after an emergency:
- Assess the types of emergencies that may affect your business.
- Plan to continue operations during an emergency by having back-up plans, simpler operations, and a list of emergency suppliers.
- Prepare your employees with emergency plans for each worksite, emergency supplies, and drills.
- Encourage employees and their loved ones to have personal emergency plans.
- Plan how you will communicate with and assist employees and customers with unique needs.
- Plan how you will communicate with employees, customers/clients, members of the public, government, other businesses, and neighbours.
- Plan ahead for extended disruptions in your utilities services.
- Keep copies of important records off-site and in a water- and fire-resistant container.
- Know your insurance policy and the impact various emergencies may have on your coverage.
Take a closer look
Use the resources listed below to help you prepare your business for a disaster or emergency:
