At some point in every business' operation, they will most likely experience some type disastrous weather or natural event that will put the term "business as usual" on hold for a while.

For the small to mid-size business, hiring an outside company to create & implement a disaster recovery plan may not be feasible. However there are affordable ways to implement your own plan to protect your business, employees and customers.

Whether the damage is forseeable with an incoming storm, or more subtle, like a burst pipe over the weekend, you will need to spring into action and start the process of recovery.

Here are some things you will need to consider:

• Employees ~ Maintaining emergency contact information; establishing a procedure for employees to check in, report to an alternate location or continue to receive a paycheck.
• Key contacts ~ Contact information for your bank, insurance agents, accountants, business partners, etc.
• Business Functions ~ Critical tasks that need to resume to stay in business.
• Recovery Location, Supplies, Computer alternatives.
• Vital Records ~ Where are they stored, are there electronic copies, are they backed up regularly?
• Disaster Response ~ What will trigger your plan?

More tips and a free planning kit called Open For Business is available from the Institute for Business & Home Safety (www.IBHS.org)