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How quickly your company can get back to business after a
terrorist attack, a tornado, a fire, or a flood often
depends on emergency planning done today. The lessons of the
1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City
bombing and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks
demonstrate the importance of being prepared. When you
also 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.
Businesses form the backbone of the our economy; small
businesses alone account for more than 99% of all companies
with employees, employ 50% of all private sector workers and
provide nearly 45% 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.
This section outlines
commonsense measures business owners and managers can take
to start getting ready. It provides practical steps
and easy-to-use templates to help you plan for your
company's future. These recommendations reflect the
Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Standard
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. Get ready
now. For information, checklists and sample emergency plans
for your business, visit
Ready.gov. |
