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Emergency Preparedness: Keeping Operations on Track
Jul 23, 2026, 8:15:00 AM
When crisis strikes, no one is ever fully prepared. However, management can plan for the “what ifs.” A strong emergency preparedness plan, paired with a continuity plan, helps businesses survive disasters. FEMA resources can also help employers develop emergency plans and support recovery.
Step 1: Assess Risks and Build the Emergency Plan
A risk assessment helps managers identify the emergencies most likely to affect their company and operations. Employers should assess potential hazards, workplace vulnerabilities and assets at risk, such as employees, capital and supplies, then analyze how disruption or loss would affect the business.
A business impact analysis can be completed by surveying managers and considering what may be lost or disrupted during an emergency. This process helps identify the recovery strategies management will need.
Recovery planning should include a thorough review of the financial and operational disruptions that could occur if business is interrupted temporarily or long term. Management should also estimate how much time would be needed to restore key functions. These discussions should happen before a disaster and be revisited regularly as the business changes and grows.
Step 2: Be Fully Insured
Employers have many insurance options and should secure appropriate coverage before an emergency occurs. The right coverage depends on the risks the workplace faces. At minimum, employers should carry basic coverage for common emergencies and liability insurance for employee injury claims. More comprehensive coverage should be based on a review of risk and an insurance plan that protects against those exposures.
Step 3: Plan Resources and Coordinate Recovery Operations
When operations are disrupted, employers must identify the resources needed to resume business. These include products, equipment, employees and power, as well as critical information such as electronic data and pending orders. Outside resources may be needed during recovery, so management should identify local options in advance.
A recovery strategy should address employees, office space, technology, supplies, inventory, power needs, records and any outside vendors or facilities needed to restore minimum operations. Management should also determine who will coordinate decisions, communications, logistics, resource updates and financial tracking during the incident, using an Emergency Operations Center or Incident Command System when appropriate.
Employers should regularly review insurance policies and coverage. If the building is rented or leased, management should understand what damage is covered and whether the owner will provide alternative space. Because ownership and arrangements can change, these questions require ongoing communication. Management should assign a team to understand the building, its contents and the impact of losing any key function.
Step 4: Protect Technology and Back Up Critical Data
Most businesses rely on technology, making a recovery plan essential. The plan should account for physical equipment, workspace, databases and the information stored in technology systems. Server and software access may be interrupted. Backups may be stored off-site, or vendors may provide temporary hardware and software to recover information or continue operations. Managers should know what local resources are available. Larger companies with multiple sites may also store backup databases and key information in several secure locations.
Step 5: Be Sure Employees Are Protected
Employers should maintain employee names, addresses and contact information, with accessible backups for emergencies. Family members or other emergency contacts should also be available to designated employer contacts. Employees may be directed to a call center for updates and instructions, if needed.
Local authorities and FEMA may offer assistance programs for disaster victims. Employer contacts should know about these programs and direct employees to them when possible. After accounting for employees, the company should assess the business impact. Employees may also need help with benefits questions, so someone familiar with company insurance and medical benefits should be available.
Returning to operations is the goal after a disaster or emergency. Preparation is essential, and recovery may require support from legal advisors, emergency recovery services, construction companies and insurance providers.
