Business emergency planning makes economic sense. Businesses have a shared interest with employees for families to be prepared. Employees whose families are prepared are more likely to be available to continue business operations. Businesses that have effective emergency response plans are better able to mitigate the impacts of disaster and continue business operations. Businesses successful in the face of disaster may then able to assist a community in need. Business preparedness planning makes sense!

During large-scale disasters fire, police and other response agencies may be fully tasked and not available to provide immediate assistance.  Damage to roads, communications and other services may isolate businesses from commonly available lines of support.  Businesses should prepare to be self-sufficient for the first 72 - 96 hours following a large-scale incident.

Key elements of business preparedness include:

• Preparing or obtaining office first aid and emergency kits.
• Arranging for sufficient food, water and sanitation.
• Developing and practicing facility evacuation routes.
• Developing business communications plans and meeting points.
• Understanding facility utility shut-off and facility hazard avoidance.
• Safe storage of business, insurance and other vital records.

Make an emergency response plan !

Make a continuity of operations plan !

Continuity of Business and Disaster Preparedness Plan template

Business disaster planning and preparedness is a strategic priority of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Local resources that may assist Carlsbad businesses preparedness include:

• Carlsbad Community Business Preparedness Workshops - A semi-annual series of workshops geared toward promoting Carlsbad business security practices and emergency preparedness. Contact Carlsbad Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at 760-931-2137 for additional information.
• Business Emergency Response Initiative - BERI is an annual workshop focusing on the Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista tri-city area business emergency preparedness issues. Contact Tri-City Hospital director of public affairs 760-940-5337 for additional information.
• San Diego County Business Consortium. A partnership between area businesses and the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

When large-scale emergency incidents occur in Carlsbad and neighboring areas, local businesses are encouraged to visit Carlsbad’s Current Incident page, as well as other resources, to stay informed.