Business Continuity Checklist

Check

Items

Notes

Communications list

Cell phone numbers of employees. Ideally, you will have an out-of-state contact everyone can call to get your instructions following a disaster.

Alternative credit card/debit card processing system

In case computers go down, keep a manual credit card processing machine (credit card imprinter) and multilayered sales slips on hand. Alternatively, check if you have a terminal system than can be used in offline mode; for this, you'll just need a small generator.

Generator

The size will be determined by the size of your business. Consider a rechargeable, propane, or solar generator. What will you need to power:

Freezers, lights, heating?

Cash in many denominations for change

First aid kit

With enough supplies for all employees likely to be at work when a disaster strikes.

Face masks

N-95; for employee protection

Disposable, non-latex gloves

For employee protection

Flashlights and glow sticks

Water

For employees stuck at work

Food

For employees stuck at work

Blankets

For employees stuck at work

Disinfecting wipes

For cleaning

Portable NOAA weather radio

Mobile device chargers

Toilet system

In case toilets aren't working, keep two 5-gal. buckets, garbage bags, cat litter, and toilet seats on hand. One toilet can be for solids and one for liquids.

Hand-washing station

If water is unavailable, be able to set up a makeshift sink consisting of a stored 5-gal. jug inverted on a table and a bucket underneath to catch the water. Include liquid soap and paper towels.