Preparing your business for an emergency
An unexpected disruption or crisis can impact your business. Businesses are far more likely to survive a disaster if they have planned for it in advance.
Potential risks
- Floods/storms/high winds
- Fire
- Loss of premises
- Loss of telecommunications
- Loss of power
- Disruption to fuel supplies
- Loss of/reduction in staff
Possible effects
- Failure of business
- Loss of income
- Damage to reputation
- Loss of customers
- Legal/regulatory penalties
- Loss of trained employees
Plan for continuity
It is very important to have a business continuity plan which puts contingency systems in place so that work can continue in the event of an emergency.
A business continuity plan should:
- Identify the essential requirements to keeping your business running
- Set out what to do during a crisis with clear roles and responsibilities
- List the actions that allow key activities to continue in difficult circumstances
Business continuity checklist
- Have you made a list of important telephone numbers (customers, clients, suppliers, employees)?
- Do you store your vital computer information on back up disks or servers away from your premises?
- Do you have an asset register?
- Do you and your staff know the location of stopcocks, valves and electrics mains switch?
- Have you considered alternative arrangements in order to continue operations (locations, suppliers, equipment etc.)?
- Do you have an emergency pack that includes a plan of the site, spare keys and contact details?
- Is it stored in a safe place that is known by your key personnel?
Business Emergency Resilience Group 10 Minute Plan
The Business Emergency Resilience Group 10 minute plan is designed to help small to medium-sized businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, such as flooding, cybercrime and civil unrest.
Page last updated: 01/02/2023
