Prepare your business to withstand disasters
Find out how planning for disasters can protect your business, as well as the community.
Disasters can have widespread impacts on businesses. Including damage to buildings and equipment, disrupted supply chains and loss of income. Without a plan, many businesses will struggle to survive after a disaster.
Local businesses are central to community wellbeing. They supply goods and services, and employment. They also offer places for people to meet and connect.
Businesses that prepare for disasters more often get through them and recover. This creates dual benefits for both businesses and the community.
Know your risks and learn how to reduce them
To protect your business from disasters, first get to know the local hazards. Then find the parts of your business that are most at risk to hazard impacts.
Awareness of these hazards allows you to act to prevent or reduce their impact. If you can't eliminate a risk, plan to manage it. This helps keep things running safely despite disruption.
Know your risk
Start by thinking about the essential parts of your business. These are the things you need to operate day-to-day, such as:
- your staff and customers
- buildings, equipment and stock
- systems and processes, things like payment methods or online ordering services
- maintenance of privacy of customer details and other sensitive information
- the businesses or people you rely on for goods or services.
Next, think about the local hazards and how they might disrupt these areas of your business.
Consider both direct and indirect impacts.
Direct impacts are immediate effects, such as:
- damage to buildings or equipment
- loss of stock or important data
- injured, stressed or traumatised staff
- staff who are unable to work due to direct impacts to the broader community.
In-direct impacts are longer-term or flow-on effects, such as:
- reduced sales or income
- increased demand for your services
- damage to your reputation
- delays or interruptions to supplies.
Prepare your business
Act now to prevent or minimise the impact of hazards on your business. Examples include:
- Check your insurance is suitable for the risks you might face
- Better prepare your business for climate change
- Apply Work Safe ACT advice for preventing stress and trauma
- Train your staff on how to support people following stressful events
- Protect your organisation from cyber threats
- Encourage staff to plan for their own disaster preparedness and plan for your own
There may be grant opportunities to help support these activities.
Make a plan
If you can’t act to prevent or minimise the impacts, then develop a plan to manage them. There are templates available to help you navigate different hazards, like cyber threats. Share your plan with staff and practise it often.
Create a support network
Before formal services start, businesses often receive information and support through local connections, like nearby businesses and groups. These networks can help businesses continue working during and after disasters.
Before a disaster, create a network of support you can reach out to in a crisis.
Resuming your business
The faster your business returns to normal, the less the economic impact.
Stay safe and well
Check in with staff and help them find support if needed. Take care of yourself, too.
Assess the impact and seek financial assistance
Assess the impact on your business. Lodge an insurance claim and check what recovery payments you may be eligible for.
Review the situation
Confirm the damage to your business, the likely repair time and the support you have. Then decide whether you can continue to function.
Help is there to assist you to work through these decisions.
Be aware
Know your rights and your duties. Keep talking with your customers and staff. Be clear about what you can and cannot offer as you work to resume business or wind down.
Getting back to business
If your building or offices get damaged, think about using a temporary space. Or move your business online.
Learn about selling your products or services online
Before resuming your business, make sure you have confirmed with relevant regulators that you have met all safety requirements.
- Refresh your understanding of the ACT Work Health and Safety requirements
- Read about the Australian-New Zealand Food Standards Code
- Find out about the Australian product safety standard
We have advice and support that may help you get back to business.
The Australian Government also has resources that help improve cash flow and reconnect businesses with customers.
Document lessons learned and change plans and procedures. This will help protect your business in the future and prepare you for the next disaster.