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MEMBERS CAN PURCHASE BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY PROTECTION THROUGH ASSOCIATED BODYWORK & MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS FOR $95. VISIT ABMP.COM OR CALL 800-458-2267 FOR MORE INFORMATION. step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for companies of all sizes is available at no charge online at www.fema.gov/business/guide/index.shtm. Business Continuity Guideline: A Practical Approach for Emergency Preparedness, Need More Info? Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry. Published by FEMA, this Crisis Management, and Disaster Recovery. Available free online at www.uschamber.com/ sites/default/files/issues/defense/files/guidelinesbc.pdf. Simply Essential Disaster Preparation Kit, by Catherine Stuart (Self Counsel Press, 2003). Childs suggests you take digital photographs of your major physical assets and preserve them online where you can access them remotely. "Scan critical documents, such as your insurance policies and lease, and have digitized copies available online for the same reason." Provide for Backup Power. "Consider the use of a backup power generator," says management consultant Isidore Kharasch, "so that if a disaster strikes, it is not made worse by not having lights and power to at least get people out to safety. Also, having a backup battery for your computer should be part of your plan. Even if it lasts for only 2–3 hours, it will give you time to close out servers and shut down the system with your critical records intact. THE PATH TO RECOVERY In the unfortunate event that your practice is fully or partially wiped out by a natural disaster, your plan should include guidance on how to get it up and running again as quickly as possible. These following basic suggestions should be part of your plan. Provide Physical Security. In the aftermath of any natural disaster, security of business assets is almost certain to have been compromised. As soon as it is possible to do so, you should put any parts of your plan dealing with security of your physical assets into effect. Know Who's There to Help and Let Them Know You Need Help. "If you are involved in a major natural disaster, you should be prepared to make early contact with any organization that may be able to offer assistance," says Ernest G. Vendrell, PhD, assistant professor of Emergency Planning Programs, Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida. Some of these agencies include: • Local offices of emergency management. • The Small Business Administration. • Local police and fire services. • The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). • Your insurance carriers and/ or professional association. In addition to a variety of educational and training guides, Vendrell says, "FEMA also offers a number of disaster planning courses that are typically offered free of charge." "It's important, too, to maintain ongoing contact," Fairbrother says. "During a major disaster, there is always much confusion and you don't want your practice to be the one that falls between the cracks." Keep Your Clients Updated. If you have protected the information on your clients as recommended above, you can send emails with updates, or you can put the information on your website. "Remember, too, that your suppliers have businesses of their own to run; they and your clients will appreciate knowing how and when you expect tune in to your practice at ABMPtv 53 to be back in business," Fairbrother says. "In most cases, they will work with you in your time of need. However, don't lose sight of the fact that they have needs of their own and must continue to take care of those needs. Maintaining contact with your clients will increase the likelihood that they will stick with you, instead of straying off to a competitor." INVEST IN YOUR SAFETY Unless you are located in one of the hurricane- or flood-prone areas, preparation for a natural disaster may seem like an unnecessary demand on your time. But every year, thousands of unsuspecting business owners across the country find themselves the victims of a natural disaster of one form or another. That's why investing a little of your time in preparing a disaster preparation plan now will be a wise business investment. It is absolutely critical for you to have a disaster recovery plan for your practice. Disasters come in all sizes and shapes, not just hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Irene. Earthquakes, fires, flood, ice storms, and tornadoes can all take their toll. All of the experts interviewed for this story agree with that opinion. The last thing you need if disaster should strike is to be caught unprepared. background in management consulting, marketing, and finance. He's written more than 900 articles appearing in a wide range of consumer magazines, trade publications, and newspapers in 17 countries. Contact him at lynott@verizon.net. William J. Lynott has an extensive