As a small business owner it can be tough to prepare for everything. Developing a detailed emergency plan can help your business be more equipped to handle disaster and the rebuild that may follow.

The Basics

• Recommended method for reporting emergencies
• Detailed evacuation plan that includes floor plans that map out specific evacuation routes for each location
• List of emergency numbers including the police and fire department, ambulance, and poison control
• Procedures for shutting down equipment and operations in the event of an emergency
• Outline the different roles your employees will have in an emergency situation
• Central place for everyone to meet
• Secure offsite location to house important documents and paperwork
• Alarms and communication systems
• Auxiliary power supply
• Clear chain of command
• Procedure of assisting those with disabilities
• System to take a head count following an evacuation

Disaster Kit

According to the Red Cross you should include at minimum the following items:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) 
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit 
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket 
• Map(s) of the area

There is also a list of suggested items you may consider adding to your kit.

Insurance

When you started your business, insurance may not have been on your mind. If you neglected to get insurance or opted for the least coverage possible, you may not be protected if an emergency should cause damage to your business. The first step to being prepared for an emergency is to make sure your business is protected. Getting ample coverage to replace equipment and inventory, repair damage to the building, and cover any possible liability for injury to others will ensure that you don't lose everything because of an emergency.  Although there is a cost to replacement and liability insurance, it is fairly inexpensive and protects your business against circumstances that could make it impossible for it to continue operating. One flood, violent protest, or lawsuit may be all it takes to bankrupt the business without the protection of adequate insurance.

Government Regulations

Knowing government regulations about what you need to do to prepare for an emergency is the next step to emergency preparedness. Regulations vary by state or local vicinities, but your local chamber of commerce can assist you in figuring out what you need to do to be in compliance. If your business is subject to periodic inspections by any governmental agency, emergency preparedness is probably part of the inspections criteria, which may give you a place to start. Some common requirements may include keeping bottled water and food on the premises, posting an evacuation plan, and having emergency contact phone numbers on file for all employees. In certain emergency-prone areas like flood or earthquake zones, there may be additional requirements.  Compliance with government regulations is important. The government may decide to shut your business down if you aren't in compliance or may levy expensive fines. Non-compliance with regulations may also affect your ability to get or keep insurance coverage.

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