Disaster Preparedness: A Quick Guide

2. Set up phone and e-mail contact chains and test them. Set up multiple voice mailboxes in remote locations so that employees can call in to leave messages about their status and you can update outgoing messages to keep them informed. You can do this for customers, too.

3. Check your human resources policies. Decide how you’ll deal with employee absences due to transportation problems, family or personal illness or injury, school closures — even incapacitating fear.