Here in Philadelphia we were spared the snowfall promised the last few days (after a week of April-like weather). It's so bad in New England that our company closed the office  up there for the day. So much better than having employees risk life and limb getting there on snow-packed roads.

Of course crazy weather has been impacting communities across the country causing a serious disruption in business. Now is a good time to review and update your disaster communication plan. This it the "what if" plan that keeps your business going and employees informed during a weather-related event, fire or owner illness.

If you don't have any kind of plan in place, your local chapter of the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) can provide helpful resources for disaster preparedness.

At the very least you should have:

Updated phone numbers (cell and land) for all employees- emails too. Keep this list at home as well as the office-if you have seven feet of snow outside your door the office list won't be helpful! Companies with many employees may set up phone trees so that each person has a few calls to make.

Emergency contact numbers for all employees. If someone doesn't show up for work, or someone gets sick at work, you need to know who to call.

A designated person who will take charge in case the owner or manager is indisposed. This is the person who is trained to get the doors open and keep the business going when you can't. Having that person in place will ensure continuity of your business with the least confusion.

Back-ups of computer records. Do this at LEAST weekly and take the back up with you. If a fire destroys your computer and your back-ups are sitting on the  desk next to it- you're cooked.

Emergency exit plans- Do all your employees know how to get out of your building and where to meet in case of a fire?

I hope you never have to implement any of these plans, but if you do you'll find that some advanced planning will ensure the safety of your staff and the continuity of your business.

Please be safe--Beth