Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires and tornados devastate lives and companies. The companies that survive are led by those who invest in emergency plans
When natural disasters strike, four out of ten businesses never reopen, according to FEMA. Of those that do reopen, only 29 percent will be operating two years later.
The aftermath is overwhelming
If employers and company leaders don’t plan for emergencies and don’t plan for business continuity, they become overwhelmed with cascading problems concerning employees, property, logistics, customers, suppliers, investors and media.
Too many employers are in denial and don’t plan for foreseeable emergencies in their location.
What every business owner confesses
When I served as police commissioner in Wilton, Connecticut, incident commanders reported every business owner on the scene of an emergency told them, “I never thought this would happen to us.” No one is immune from a natural disaster, or a toxic spill, active shooter, or pandemic.
OSHA requires every workplace to have a written emergency action plan, and train their personnel to their plan once a year.
Why business continuity planning is crucial
A business continuity plan, while not required by federal law, guides company leaders in how to care for employees after a disaster; communicate with customers, suppliers, vendors and media; work with insurance companies and financiers; and resume operation as quickly as possible.
A 2016 Harris Poll survey of businesses with fewer than 300 employees found 68 percent of business owners don’t have a written disaster recovery plan.
No one can stop a natural disaster, but responsible and smart employers will plan for them. True leaders protect their people and their business. It’s the best return on investment they can get.
Let’s make sure you’re prepared
We can walk you through every step in your emergency planning and disaster recovery planning. Call us at 203.563.9999 or email me to see how we can help you protect your people, property and posterior. No obligation whatsoever.
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