DHS helps small businesses prepare for emergencies

May 30, 2006 3:39 PM

Designed as a call-to-action for business leaders, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the "Ready Business" Mentoring Initiative, which includes mentoring guides and other business preparedness tools to help owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare for emergencies.

DHS, in collaboration with the U.S. Depts. of Commerce and Agriculture, the Small Business Administration, ASIS International, and other organizations, will distribute the mentoring guides and other materials as the 2006 hurricane season approaches.

"Preparing small- to medium-sized businesses for emergencies is vital to the nation's economic health," says George Foresman, Under Secretary for Preparedness. "This new 'Ready Business' Mentoring Initiative will help provide business owners and managers with practical and usable tools to protect their companies against a broad range of hazards."

The mentoring guides are comprised of two workbooks, with step-by-step information designed to teach business owners and managers about affordable ways to better protect their businesses.

Some features of the mentoring guides include:
* A business continuity and disaster preparedness sample plan;
* A business emergency supply checklist;
* An insurance discussion form;
* A computer inventory form; and
* Testimonials and a list of additional resources

The Education Disaster Extension Network (EDEN) collaborated with Homeland Security to develop presentation materials that will assist business and community leaders in hosting business preparedness workshops across the nation. These presentation materials complement the mentoring guides.

Visit www.ready.gov/ or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive a "Get Ready Now" brochure.

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