Startup Owners: Is Your Business Emergency-Ready?

When we start a business, most of our thoughts are about success – and how to get it. It can be difficult to think of anything else than the positives of your idea, and where you might be able to take things in a few years time.

But, new business owners who don’t consider the worst are in a vulnerable position. And the chances are that far from being a success, in a few years time you might not even be around. It is essential, then, that you understand the many emergency situations that arise for business owners – and how to prepare for them.

Create a plan. First of all, it’s important to establish which parts of your business are necessary. Which functions are critical, and which can take a back seat when the proverbial hits the fan? Risk assessment is a vital part of this process, too, so identify all the risks your business might encounter – and think outside the box, too. Maybe your business is located in a floodplain, or in a location where bush fires have been prevalent in the past decade or so. Finally, create a plan that includes all the risks – and your solutions – and nominate team members who will take on roles in the event of an emergency situation.

Establish backup systems. You can never guarantee anything in business, but you can prepare for it. As Electrical Services  point out, your business needs to be ready for anything that might arise, including emergency situations such as power cuts, fires, and natural disasters. It is critical that you have backup and power available to you if something awry occurs. If a lighting system fails and there is no backup, for example, it is going to increase the chances of people having accidents – or worse.

Make a communications plan. Don’t forget about your customers, suppliers, and stakeholders when there is an emergency. There should be a communications plan in place so that, when the time is ready, and the facts are established, you can let everyone know. Communications in the event of an emergency is a massive problem area for many small businesses, simply because they haven’t prepared for it. Nominate an emergency comm. team and train them on responding quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

Drills. Emergency drills can be a pain for anyone involved. We’ve all tutted and expressed our frustration when a fire alarm goes off for drill practice at work. But make no mistake about it if you want people to be able to respond safely in a crisis scenario, you need to have that practice Drills might be annoying, but, ultimately, they will save people’s lives. Ensure that you perform regular emergency drills for any scenario you think is likely, and you will be doing more to save lives than you might think.

Invest in first aid training. Finally, consider investing in first aid training for your employees. Treatment at the scene by qualified first aiders can often be the difference between life and death, and it is an important role within many companies. Not only will it mean there is treatment available for accidents, but it is also great in self-development terms for your employees.

Photo by Iurii Davydov | Shuttertsock