A small investment of time could go a long way towards averting a serious disruption caused by a disaster. Even the best-designed and well-maintained buildings can be damaged, forcing a business closure.

Just as personal preparedness helps you survive a disaster or emergency, so does preparing you business. The Washington State Emergency Management Division encourages the following comprehensive business planning and preparedness action items. 

1. Assess whether your business can handle disruptions of normal operations
2. Develop a Business Continuity Plan to ensure your company’s essential services and personnel are identified and can resume operations as soon as possible.
3. Promote employee preparedness
4. Conduct a non-structural hazard assessment to reduce impacts.
5. Develop and test your evacuation and shelter-in-place plans.
6. Take steps to protect vital records.
7. Develop a communications plan so that you can contact your staff, vendors, suppliers and media.
8. Review your insurance policies annually to ensure you have adequate coverage.
9. Learn how to drill and exercise your plans.
10. Ensure your vendors and suppliers have a disaster response plan.
11. Collaborate with local neighborhoods, community groups and other businesses to promote disaster preparedness.
12. Learn the role of the Kirkland Police, Fire & Building, and Emergency Preparedness departments before, during, and after a disaster.

Additional Resources for business preparedness:

• Business Not as Usual,: Preparing for a Pandemic Flu
• Washington State Department of Emergency Management
• King County Office of Emergency Management
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Homeland Security
• Small Business Administration
• American Red Cross
• 3 Ways, 3 Days
• The Institute for Business and Home Safety