Emergency Preparedness Plans for Business

If businesses are ready to survive and recover, the nation and our economy are more secure. America’s businesses form the backbone of the nation’s 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. 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.

Invest in a Preparedness Program

It is important to invest in a preparedness program. The following statistics on why your business should have a preparedness program:

  • Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. (Source: Insurance Information Institute)
  • Customers expect delivery of products or services on time. If there is a significant delay, customers may go to a competitor.
  • Larger businesses are asking their suppliers about preparedness. They want to be sure that their supply chain is not interrupted. Failure to implement a preparedness program risks losing business to competitors who can demonstrate they have a plan.
  • Insurance is only a partial solution. It does not cover all losses and it will not replace customers.
  • Many disasters — natural or human-caused — may overwhelm the resources of even the largest public agencies. Or they may not be able to reach every facility in time.
  • News travels fast and perceptions often differ from reality. Businesses need to reach out to customers and other stakeholders quickly.
  • An Ad Council survey reported that nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents said they do not have an emergency plan in place for their business.

Use FEMAs Business Make a Plan template to develop and share your plan with all of your employees.

FEMA Business Emergency Response Plan (pdf, 674 KB)

Developing a Preparedness Program

The five steps in developing a preparedness program are Program Management, Planning, Implementation, Testing and Exercises, and Program Improvement. By utilizing FEMAs comprehensive business preparedness planning tool , you will be able to ensure the readiness of your business.

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