Disaster preparedness... emergency preparedness... homeland security ... underground bunkers... emergency water supplies... duct tape... evacuations routes (or lack thereof)... all words which bring terror to our hearts (and sometimes properly) or at least a twinge to our psyche...
There's no question, we all need to be vigilant and prepared...this is a scary world and terrorism, fanatics, just plain crazies abound. However, we can't stop living and when it comes to our businesses, we can't stop doing business (unless we just inherited a fortune from an obscure relative and want to retire in luxury).
There's not much a Long Island company can do about evacuation routes in the event of nuclear war. So, don't spend too much time or angst over it. But do spend time planning for those not so uncommon occurrences which can interfere with business operations. Prudent planning and business practices can significantly reduce the negative impact of such occurrences.
Make sure your computer system is properly backed up in an appropriate frequency, that the computer records are properly stored for safety. Check those fire extinguishers in your office routinely and train your staff on their use. Educate your staff on emergency exits from the office and basic procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver. Have clearly defined chains of command and communication - perhaps as simple as who calls whom in the case of traffic-stopping weather. As much as possible, let people multitask so that during the extended absence of one employee, other employees can fill in (whether your workforce is young or older, you're either looking at time out for births or hip replacements). Keep inventory of company assets, important databases, insurance, contact people such as attorney, accountant, insurance agent and maintain that inventory in more than your bottom drawer. Arrange for some responsible party other than yourself to hold the inventory and the keys to the office, among other things. Review the potential effects of staff travel together or separately. And do review your business succession plan and estate plan.
Some simple, basic planning and practices, thought out, followed and continually updated, can protect your valuable business investment in the case of minor inconveniences as well as disasters. It is prudent to engage in such actions, but don't let emergency/disaster preparedness divert you from your business or you'll end up with no business to save.