Preparing your business for an emergency

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?