Program prepares businesses for disaster

To ensure preparedness for future disasters, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed a Web site that gives employers a series of checklists to protect their businesses and their employees.

The Ready Program, at www.ready.gov, is tailored to guide small- and medium-sized businesses, which make up 98 percent of all companies in Missouri, in implementing disaster plans.

The site gives tips for dealing with utility disruptions, breaches of cyber security and the types of insurance recommended. Also available is an emergency supplies checklist and a form for logging all important computer information.

The program gives recommendations for preparation that cost nothing, such as creating evacuation procedures, and some that cost less than $100, such as a fire extinguisher, or more than $500, such as a pre-wire generator.

An October Advertising Council survey of small-business owners showed 92 percent of respondents felt it was important or somewhat important for businesses to prepare for a catastrophic disaster, while 39 percent said their company had a disaster plan in place.

To develop a crisis communication plan among co-workers, the program suggests informing employees of the kinds of emergencies that could affect a company, establishing a shelter plan, assessing internal and external company functions, responding quickly to medical emergencies and emphasizing the basics of survival.