Be Prepared: Getting Ready for an Emergency

September is National Preparedness Month, which raises awareness of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. Take these steps to make sure your business is ready.

Emergencies — such as extreme weather, fires or accidents — can happen at any time. Such disasters can not only endanger your staff but can also lead to costly business disruption and property damage. To ensure safety and business continuity, it’s important to be prepared. Take these steps to make sure you’re ready for the next emergency.

Develop a plan

Develop an emergency response plan. Start with a risk assessment of potential hazards. Evaluate the resources you’ll need to respond to emergencies. Identify emergency procedures to protect your business. Share your plan with staff and local first responders.

Gather emergency supplies

Prepare an emergency kit. Include non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries. Designate safe areas for staff during a storm. Check and update emergency supplies regularly.

Identify the essentials

Identify all equipment, data and documentation essential to operating your business. Develop procedures for repairing or replacing critical equipment and backing up vital data. Store extra supplies and equipment for use in an emergency.

Secure your site

Install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in appropriate places. Make sure emergency exit routes are clearly marked. Install automatic sprinklers, alarm systems and other security systems as needed.

Assess your alternatives

Create an alternate plan in case an emergency renders your building inaccessible. Determine whether your business can be run from a different location. Plan for appropriate staff members to work remotely as needed.

Get backup

Power outages can happen in an emergency. Make sure that you have a reliable source of backup power, such as a generator, available and in working condition. Follow all testing, maintenance and safety recommendations.

Sign up for alerts. The City of Los Angeles uses two systems to alert residents in case of an emergency. You can sign up for both at NotifyLA and Nixle. For power outage information and to subscribe for Community Outage Alerts, visit ladwp.com/outages.

With these measures, you’ll be better prepared to keep your staff safe and get your business back in operation quickly. For more information and resources about emergency preparedness, see Ready Business from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.