Law Firm Disaster Preparedness

Planning to stay in business after a disaster is as easy as clicking on www.ready.gov, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Web site for home and business disaster planning.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a terrorist attack or tornado, a fire or flood often depends on emergency planning done today. When you consider that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990's compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds.

America's businesses form the backbone of the nation's economy; small businesses alone account for more than 99 percent of all companies with employees, employ 50% of all private sector workers and provide nearly 45 percent of the nation's payroll. If businesses are READY to survive and recover, the nation and our economy are more secure. A commitment to planning today will help support employees, customers, the community, the local economy and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Small- to medium-sized businesses are the most vulnerable in the event of an emergency. Having an emergency plan can help protect a company and enhance its potential to recover after an emergency.

Though most businesses agree emergency preparedness is important, too few are taking necessary steps to prepare. According to an October 2005 survey of small businesses conducted by The Ad Council, 92 percent of respondents said it was very important or somewhat important for businesses to take steps to prepare for a catastrophic disaster, but only 39 percent said their company had a plan in place.

Ready Business can help with the planning that so many businesses agreed was necessary. The Web site outlines commonsense measures business owners and managers can take to start getting ready. It provides practical steps and easyto- use templates to help you plan for your company's future. These recommendations reflect the Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Standard (NFPA 1600) developed by the National Fire Protection Association and endorsed by the American National Standards Institute and the Department of Homeland Security. It also provides useful links to resources providing more detailed business continuity and disaster preparedness information.

Business continuity and crisis management can be complex issues depending on the particular industry, size and scope of your business. However, putting a plan in motion will improve the likelihood that your company will survive and recover. The following information is a good start for small- to mid-sized businesses. Companies that already have their emergency plans in place can continue to help create a more robust sustainable community by mentoring businesses in their own supply chain and others needing advice.

Preparing makes good business sense.

Be Informed —Know what kinds of emergencies might affect your company. Continuity Planning —Assess how your company functions both internally and externally.

Emergency Planning —Your employees and coworkers are your business's most important and valuable resource.

Emergency Supplies -Think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Deciding to stay or Go- Shelter-in-place or evacuate, plan for both possibilities.

Fire Safety- -Fire is the most common of all business disasters.

Medical Emergencies- -Take steps that give you the upper hand in responding to medical emergencies.

For more details, visit the Web site: www.ready.gov/business For SBA disaster-recovery information, visit: www.sba.gov/disaster.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration