Cohort from the San Rafael Leadership Institute learn about business preparedness

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In early December, 2022, the San Rafael Fire Department / Office of Emergency Services (SRFD/OES) addressed a cohort of 30 leaders from local businesses and organizations enrolled in this year’s San Rafael Leadership Institute program. The invitation was extended by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, which is the entity that spearheads this annual leadership development initiative.

The topic of discussion focused on the Economic Impact of Disasters, which covered the critical roles of businesses in disasters, the importance of business preparedness as part of wider community preparedness efforts, and the disaster assistance resources that are available to them should they endure hardship in a given disaster.

SRFD/OES would like to thank the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce for this invitation and looks forward to strengthening ongoing collaboration on this important area of work.

Preparing your business for a disaster

Many businesses are not prepared to respond to a situation where business disruption is inevitable. However, business and organizational leaders can start preparing by following this checklist, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety:

  • Know your risks: Identify the most serious threats to your business by focusing on the most likely disruptions and their impact.
  • Know your operations: Understand the business’s most critical functions and how to perform them if there’s a disruption.
  • Know your employees: Document employee information so you can connect with them before, during and after a disruption.
  • Know your key customers, contacts, suppliers, and vendors: Ensure you can continue service to your customers in the event of a disruption.
  • Know your information technology: Understand your IT needs and develop protection systems.
  • Know when to update and test your plan: Make sure you’re ready any time a disruption could occur.
  • Know where to go for help: Build ties with community and outside agencies who can help you recover quickly from a disaster.

Additional business preparedness resources