Step 4) Make a Plan

Why Should My Business Have a Plan?

In the event of an emergency such as a fire or ammonia leak, you need to have plan to get your staff and customers to safety quickly. Create an Emergency Plan that identifies who will sound the alarm, who calls 911, and who looks after getting everyone safely to the muster point. Make sure everyone knows their role and that you practice your plan on a regular basis.

Not all risks are insurable. Being unable to provide your products and services to your customers can seriously hurt your business reputation. A Business Continuity Plan is the least expensive insurance any company can have.
  • Remain competitive by staying open for business.
  • Reduce the financial losses you may incur.
  • Identify the weaknesses within your business.
  • Improve your dealings with banks, creditors, investors, and insurers by showcasing your appetite for business resilience.
  • Protect staff and customers from harm.
Disasters big and small happen without warning. Having a plan in place before a disruption can make for a more effective response and faster recovery.

While you are out of business, your competition may still be operating.

Tips for Businesses

Business continuity is not only for disruptions – it makes a business a safer place to work and contributes to financial stability.
Action Plan Template

Here Are Some Business Continuity Strategies You May Want to Consider

  • Cross-training staff
  • Borrowing equipment from another business
  • Keeping old equipment as a backup
  • Identifying alternative suppliers
  • Storing important data and documents in a safe location
  • Succession planning
  • Off-site inventory of goods
  • Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)
  • Alternative work location
  • Establish work-from-home protocols
  • Promote personal and family preparedness and put together a "Grab & Go" Bag
  • Discuss with your employees how they will communicate with you or report to work in the event of a disruption
You have now gained a better understanding of potential risks to your business and the appropriate strategies to address them. It’s time to put this knowledge together and make a plan. Your plan should have step-by-step instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency.

If your business suffers a fire, what are your priorities? How will you account for your employees and ensure they are all safe? Who do you have to contact first? What resources and supplies do you require to continue operating? It is essential that you have these details beforehand to ensure a proper and timely response.