Though people rarely anticipate that a crisis or disaster will strike their business, it is important to take preparations and have a few simple pointers under your belt should such an event occur. The common recommendation to “think positive” doesn't apply here, as when it comes to saving your business, it is best to be as proactive as possible. From economic turmoil to natural disasters, crises can affect anyone and everyone. Alternative Strategies is here to provide you with a few useful tips to ensure your business is fit for all occasions. Below are several easy steps you can take.

Prepare for Natural Disasters

Unfortunately, natural disasters have no due date; they like to sneak up on us when we’re least expecting them. Therefore, why not begin implementing cautionary measures ahead of time? No one likes to believe that natural disasters will affect their business; however, approximately 60% of companies who experience a natural disaster are closed within two years following the tragedy.

Here is what you should consider:

Compliance: Make sure that your business undergoes routine building code inspection checks, and follow all building code safety regulations.
Access: Your business' publics (employees, customers, members of your community and industry, etc.) should be able to access information from a variety of different outlets (i.e.: email, Website postings, newsletters, texts, etc.)
Inform and educate (pre-crisis): It is crucial to inform employees about programs, potential threats, expectations, positive ways to handle crises, emergency evacuation drills, etc. Much of the workforce continuity communication occurs prior to a crisis; therefore, you want to make sure everyone is informed.
Activate and instruct (intra-crisis): At the time of the incident, be sure communications are used effectively to instruct employees into action. This will eliminate chaos.
Account and adjust (post-crisis): After a crisis occurs, communication is still important. Be sure to account for losses as soon as possible, and make sure your team is up-to-date with regular business procedures and conditions once work resumes.

Increase Workplace Safety

Without employees, you have no business. Consequently, it is extremely important that your employees are given a safe workplace. Tripping, slipping, and falling injuries rank second to automobile accidents, nationwide; not necessarily in the office, but why risk it? Avoid lawsuits with the following:

Badges: It may sound geeky, but name badges for visitors to your business help decipher who is a part of your team. Visitors should also not walk around unescorted. Plus, you should have them sign in!
Emergency contact sheets: Everyone knows to call 911 in an emergency, but it is also necessary to have a list of alternate emergency numbers (i.e. fire department, gas company, utilities, local hospitals, etc.). Being prepared is key.
Training: Be sure to train all employees on what to do in case of an emergency. This could include evacuation routes, meeting places, fire escapes, etc. It's far better to be safe than sorry.
Meeting place: Designating a central meeting place after an evacuation has occurred is important to ensure that everyone is out of the building safe and sound. Having a specific location to meet allows for less chaos during evacuations.
Contingencies: Should staff be required to stay indoors, it is important to make sure that you are stocked up on necessary items. Having sufficient supplies of water, food, first aid kits, flashlights, and batteries are just a few of the many items it wouldn’t hurt to keep in your office.

Protect Against Financial Ruin

Let’s face it; the current economic crisis has nearly all of us in a panic. Utilizing the following five important steps will help ensure your business is able to avoid financial disaster. There is no telling what the future holds, so be prepared, and avoid entering into the world of financial hardship.

Five easy ways to do so:

Be insured: Speak with your insurance company and make sure you’re insured in all realms of the word. From natural disasters to theft, you want to make sure you’re protected against any legal action. (Don’t forget about health insurance as well. It's best to be accurately covered should anything happen.)
Protect your information: Always have back-up systems. Business documents and information need to be saved in at least two locations. Don’t forget to protect your information from identity theft and hackers (We suggest identity theft protection; otherwise, take extra security measures to make sure that all important information is well protected.)
Be prepared for the worst: Be sure to cover yourself, as well as clients and customers. Make sure your policies and procedures are legal and available to the public. Pay taxes accordingly and accurately record your income and expenses. Plan for the worst (lawsuits, IRS audits) but expect the best!
Be financially savvy: Having an emergency fund is important. Experts also suggest saving a minimum of six months' income, to ensure that you and your business could still manage if a crisis were to occur.
Be ahead of your time: Plan for the future and take action. Planning in advance can only help in the long run, and through creating a long-term plan, minuscule setbacks will only have a minimal effect on growth and finances.

If you can take away just one message with you after reading this, it would be: plan ahead! Unfortunately, crises and disasters do occur, and we don't always see them coming. The best thing you can do is be prepared, and ensure that your business is following and utilizing various tactics to protect itself at all times. Good luck on your venture, and remember to plan for the worst, but expect the best!