Preparedness Planning for Business

Businesses can do much to prepare for the impact of the many hazards they face in today’s world including natural hazards like floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and widespread serious illness such as the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Human-caused hazards include accidents, acts of violence by people and acts of terrorism. Examples of technology-related hazards are the failure or malfunction of systems, equipment or software.

Ready Business will assist businesses in developing a preparedness program by providing tools to create a plan that addresses the impact of many hazards. This website and its tools utilize an “all hazards approach” and follows the program elements withinNational Fire Protection Association 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs. NFPA 1600 is an American National Standard and has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Preparedness Planning for Your Business

Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards:

  • Natural hazards like floods, wildland fires, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
  • Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the Coronavirus.
  • Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence.
  • Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure.

There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards. The Ready Business program helps business leaders make a preparedness plan to get ready for these hazards.

Ready Business Toolkits

The Ready Business Toolkit series includes hazard-specific versions for earthquake, hurricane, inland flooding, power outage, and severe wind/tornado. Toolkits offer business leaders a step-by-step guide to build preparedness within an organization. Each toolkit contains the following sections:

  • Identify Your Risk
  • Develop A Plan
  • Take Action
  • Be Recognized and Inspire Others

Business Emergency Preparedness Social Media Toolkit

The Business Emergency Preparedness Social Media Toolkit has safety and preparedness messages you can share on your social media channels.

Ready Business Workshop “How-To” Guide

This “How-To” guide explains how to plan for and deliver effective Ready Business workshops.

Ready Business Videos