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?
Page last updated: 03/01/2020