Emergency planning for small business owners.

As a business owner, it's important to be one step ahead of the game, whether it's your competition or risk management. As a small business owner, you may not even think about emergency planning, but the reality is that disasters can happen to any company. Developing an emergency preparedness plan is one of the most important strategic decisions a small business owner will make. Not sure where to get started? Read on! Purchase safety equipment. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and defibrillators are all standard pieces of equipment that should be in every business, big or small. However, companies may need to purchase industry-specific supplies for disaster safety. Establish emergency communications. Decide who will be responsible for emergency communications. He, she, or a team will need to contact emergency officials, employees, suppliers, vendors, and customers in the event of a disaster. Useful tools include an emergency number, a contact list, and text message alerts. Prepare evacuation routes and shelter. Make a plan for getting everyone from your facility to a safe location. Make sure you are aware of the needs of employees with medical conditions and disabilities. Back up data. Essential business data should be protected and backed up long before any disaster is on the horizon. Since your business will likely struggle without this essential data, store all information securely using data backup tools. Develop a continuity of operations plan. Know what your business will do in the event of a disaster, should your doors need to close. Steps should include spelling out the most crucial business functions and which team members are responsible for them. If you plan to let your team work from home, know how this will operate and succeed. Ready to get started on your reliable business insurance? Contact Bell Black Insurance. Serving Idaho Falls, Island Park, Driggs, Victor, Swan Valley, Ashton, and the neighboring communities in Idaho, as well as Jackson and Star Valley in Wyoming; we are ready to get you covered today.