Business Preparedness Resources

Emergency resources for the City of Portland & Multnomah County

Seal of Portland

Prepare Your Business

Three people sit at a table in an office and discuss plans. One man has his back to us and appears to be talking. The man and woman across from him are listening and smiling slightly.

Step 1: Understand & Reduce Risks

First, learn about local hazards. Next, complete a Preparedness Checklist to identify and prioritize your organization's weak spots. Finally, take action to reduce your risk. Consider purchasing business interruption insurance, earthquake insurance, and flood insurance.

Step 2: Make Plans

Make a plan for your employees, computers and data, facilities, and inventory. Start with a simple plan, and then develop it over time. To get started, use these 7 Steps to a Disaster Resilient Workplace and check out the Red Cross's Ready Rating Program.

Use the resources below to guide your planning. Backup your plans in case you lose internet or phone service. Have paper copies of critical information, such as employee contact information, insurance information, your emergency plan, and contact information for critical clients, suppliers, or service companies.

General Business Preparedness

Nonprofits & Other Community Organizations

Disaster-Specific Resources

Step 3: Train & Prepare

Your emergency plans are only useful if everyone on your team understands them. Talk with employees, suppliers, customers, accountants, attorneys, and anyone else who will be impacted and play a role in response and recovery. Ensure they understand the plans and their role. Make sure they are personally prepared so they can participate in getting back to business. Make personal preparedness a value of your organization, and make that value known internally and externally. 

Ways to Prepare Customers and Staff

  • Survey everyone to gauge their level of preparedness.

  • Offer programs and events that promote individual preparedness.

  • Participate in the Great ShakeOut on the 3rd Thursday of October.

  • Incorporate preparedness messages into staff meetings and newsletters on an ongoing basis.

  • Provide emergency preparedness supplies or equipment instead of other items for gifts, bonuses, or prizes. The Red Cross and other suppliers offer many options.

  • Encourage managers and other leaders to set a good example. They should be prepared at home, have an emergency plan, and have a workplace emergency kit.

  • Crosstrain employees and volunteers on critical business functions.

  • Make sure employees know your organization's disaster plan, "business continuity," or "continuity of operations" plan.