Remember, in times of disaster, it is not business as usual. Focus must be on helping employees navigate personal issues, from family needs to home disruption. This type of employee support will come back to the company in the form of loyalty.

The most critical aspect of emergency planning is getting employees to think ahead. To protect your employees through a disaster, take these four key steps:

1. Build Solid Contact Lists
   Keep contact information for the following updated and easily accessible:
   
   • Employees. Maintain complete information for communicating with employees and their extended family. Include home/cell phone numbers and email addresses for next of kin and spouses/relatives; do not forget to make use of text-messaging capabilities and other communications devices as they may be the only way to stay in touch.
   • Emergency phone numbers. Include local fire and police departments, hospitals and ambulance services, building security, utility companies, as well as government disaster-relief agencies.
   • Key vendors and suppliers. Maintain a list of vendors and suppliers that can be relied upon to respond quickly. For regional disasters, it may be necessary to reach out for assistance to a supplier with facilities located outside of your primary business area.
   
   
2. Establish Emergency Communications Procedures
   Establish a clear process for communications and plan how you will contact one another in different scenarios. Meet with your employees periodically to review and update emergency plans.


3. Organize Supplies
   Make sure the company and its outposts have access to cash, generators, batteries and supplies, such as first aid kits, ice, water, personal care supplies and food, and the ability to charge cell phones, laptops and other communication devices.


4. Provide Employee Assistance
   Train a staff member in CPR and first aid. Also, prepare Family Disaster Kits for employees that include food and resources, including:
   • Flashlights
   • Batteries in various sizes
   • First aid kit
   • Bottled water
   • Battery powered radio
   • Plastic containers to seal critical information
   • Disposable camera
   • Hygiene supplies
   • Post-event cleaning supplies