Kentucky's Business Preparedness Initiative: Helping Small and Mid-Size Businesses Prepare For and Survive Natural Disasters

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, after a major disaster, 40 percent of small businesses in the affected area never reopen.

In an attempt to help Kentucky’s small to medium sized businesses prepare their employees, operations and assets in the event of emergency, the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security has launched a new Web site, (http://www.protectyourbusiness.ky.gov), which provides emergency preparedness information and tips to business owners.

Additionally, as a part of the initiative, multiple “Business Preparedness Summits”, have been held throughout the state to discuss this issue. The remaining summit will be held at the Bowling Green Police Department on November 21.

According to a survey conducted by the Ad Council in October 2005:

92 percent of the survey’s respondents indicated that it is very important or somewhat important for businesses to take steps to prepare for a catastrophic disaster.

88 percent of the survey’s respondents agreed that having a business continuity plan would make good sense for their company.

39 percent of the survey’s respondents actually had an emergency plan in place.

“Every business should have an emergency plan, because preparing makes good business sense,” said (Ret) Maj. Alecia Webb-Edgington, director for the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

For more information, visit, www.protectyourbusiness.ky.gov.