Emergency Management Office Urges Small Businesses to Plan for Emergencies

For a small business, being prepared for an emergency can mean the difference between survival and failure. During Small Business Week, Oct. 17-23, the Emergency Management Office is reminding small businesses that now is the time to plan for emergencies or to review and practice plans already in place.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities," said Ramona Jennex, Minister for Emergency Management. "Having a business continuity plan can greatly lessen the impact of a disaster."

Nova Scotia is experiencing more severe weather events and disasters from pandemic influenza to Hurricanes Earl and Igor.

Statistics show that about 25 to 40 per cent of businesses that experience a major disaster do not reopen. Of those that do, some do not survive the next 12 months.

A business continuity plan gives small businesses the best chance to survive disaster events and business disruptions. According to the Houston Advanced Research Center, every dollar spent on disaster preparedness saves seven dollars in recovering disaster related economic losses.

"I encourage small businesses to look at continuity planning as part of everyday good business practices," said Ms. Jennex. "With a plan in place, and a little practice, small businesses can feel confident that they are prepared not only for major disasters, but for any kind of disruption in their business."

For ten tips to help small businesses prepare for emergencies visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo .