Actions to Take

In order to protect the health and safety of their employees and their businesses, business owners and managers should: 

• Maintain an emergency supply kit that includes survival items such as water, flashlights, and a first aid kit 
• Prepare, review, revise, and exercise their emergency plans and evacuation procedures 

Business Emergency Planning Team

As a business owner or manager, your emergency planning team should include all areas of your business. You should also include human resources, finance, administration, and executive-level personnel. 

Critical Elements

There are seven critical elements of a business emergency plan: 

• Administration and logistics 
• Communications 
• Direction and control 
• Life safety 
• Property protection 
• Public information / media relations 
• Recovery and restoration - business continuity planning 

For More Information

View specific information about the critical elements of a Business Emergency Plan. 

Resources 

Publications

• Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 
• Employee and Life Safety Excerpts - National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 
• Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable - American Red Cross 
• Before Disaster Strikes - American Red Cross 

Websites

• Institute for Business and Home Safety
• Small Business Administration - Disaster Assistance