What is an emergency?

An event that causes serious harm to people or substantial damage to property which may disrupt business operations. An emergency may include one, or a combination of any of the following:

• Natural disasters (e.g. pandemics, earthquake, storm, ice storms, flood, fire etc.)
• Industrial accidents or hazards (ex. explosions, fire, toxic emissions)
• Hostile acts (e.g. war, terrorism, sabotage, vandalism)
• Loss or lack of critical resources (ex. technological failure, power failures, computer viruses)

What does this mean for your business?

In an emergency, your business operations may be disrupted in the following ways:

• Employees may not able to come to work
• Suppliers may not be able to provide the materials needed for ongoing business activities
• Demand for your services could be affected
• Essential services like power, transportation and communications may also be impaired.

While some of your clients/suppliers in some industries might experience an escalation in demand (e.g. hygiene and home-delivered supplies), other industries like tourism, hospitality, retail or communications, may be severely impacted. Plan ahead and assess all possible contingencies to ensure an orderly and effective response to any incident that may significantly disrupt your business operations.

Be prepared

1. Develop a business continuity plan
2. Have a personal preparedness plan ready: Public Safety Canada offers tips and guidelines for individuals and families. Here are some of the key points:  

• Get informed, stay informed
• Follow hygiene guidelines to prevent the spread of illnesses
• Create an emergency kit and stockpile food, water and other necessities
• If you or any family member require ongoing medical treatment, plan ahead
• Keep some cash at home