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Planning for Emergencies

Planning for a crisis

Keeping your business going through and beyond an emergency

The process of planning for emergencies is often known as "Business Continuity Planning". In plain language, this means working out how to stay in business in the event of disaster. Incidents could include anything that partially or completely interrupts your business's critical functions including a fire, a prolonged power cut, a major accident, a flood, an earthquake or a pandemic illnesses.

Eighty per cent of small businesses affected by major incidents close within 18 months. Ninety per cent of businesses that lose data from disasters shut within two years. Business continuity plans help your business safeguard against the problems caused by major incidents.

What is a business continuity plan?
A business continuity plan will ensure that the impact of an emergency on your business is minimized. It will help your business handle the emergency, continue to function and recover effectively afterwards.

For information on preparing a business continuity plan, please visit the Government's Preparing for Emergencies website.

Business Link have published a useful guide to Crisis management and business continuity planning on their website.

For further information on assistance the Council can give in an emergency, please see the Emergency Planning page.

Swine flu - is your business prepared?

How will your business cope if many of the staff are ill at once?
How will your business cope if supplies are held up?
How will your business cope with sudden changes in demand?

Businesses should be planning for these scenarios now. Specific advice for businesses has been published on the Cabinet Office website, including the Government's planning template: Pandemic influenza checklist for businesses.

The NHS has also published Pandemic Flu - Guidance for Businesses.

Business Watch Scheme

What is Business Watch?
Members of the scheme are sent relevant crime alerts and specific crime reduction advice direct from the police

How do I receive the information?
Via email, text, fax or recorded voice to a telephone

How much does it cost?
It is completely FREE

How do I find out more?
Visit the Watch Schemes page or download an Application Form. Business Watch operates through the Thames Valley Community Messaging System.