Assess the risks for your specific business. Do an engineering study of your building and its weaknesses and strengths.

Identify operations critical to the survival of the business and its recovery. Identify internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary.

Develop a succession plan in case management is not around. Plan how to do work if your building, plant or store is not accessible. Stock emergency supplies.

Create a communication plan for employees, such as designating an out-of-area telephone number where employees can leave an "I'm OK" message after a disaster.

Keep copies of important records at an off-site location. Understand and plan for having to evacuate your business or shelter yourself and workers at the facility.

Encourage employees to prepare their families and homes in case of emergency, including emergency supply kits.

Write a crisis communication plan. How will your business communicate with employees, local authorities, customers and other interested people after a disaster?

Support employee health after a disaster. Getting back to work is important to the personal recovery of people who have experienced disasters.

Prepare for extended utility disruptions. Install equipment to help your business survive, such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors. Make sure exits are not blocked or padlocked. Upgrade the building's filtration system to protect against biological and other airborne threats.

Improve cybersecurity to protect company data and information technology systems. Subscribe to the Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Alert System at www .us-cert.gov to receive free, timely alerts.