Why You Need An Emergency Contact List During A Crisis

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Who had a business emergency contact list before this recent pandemic?  I know I didn’t. As a business owner, we should always be prepared for any type of disaster, such as a global epidemic, or a cyber security attack, that could create an emergency situation at any time.  When an emergency happens, you should be prepared to handle it quickly and effectively. Knowing who to call and when can help minimize the stress on everybody. This is why it is so crucial to have an emergency contact list for your business to handle any unexpectant occurrences.

What and who should be on this list?  These 5 areas can help you start building your emergency contact list.

  1. Staff/Management/Owner:  When an emergency occurs, you need to protect your staff and know how to reach them.  Especially if you have more than 10 employees and/or contractors, there may be a communication tree or specific order to follow during a crisis.  Emergency contacts for each of your employees and/or contractors, such as spouses or legal guardians, is helpful too especially if the emergency directly involves one of them.  You will want to reach their emergency contact ASAP. Medical information is useful in case you have to take care of them on the spot.

  2. Emergency Services.  911 provides access to Fire, Police, EMS, and Hospital, but don’t forget about specialized emergencies services such as pest and poison control and Red Cross.

  3. Utility Companies.  In case of a gas leak, power outage, or an alarm goes off you want to minimize any damages and be able to act fast by having these contacts on hand.

  4. Suppliers, vendors, and contractors. They could end up being your lifeline so keep these handy.

  5. Business information.  In case anything happens to the business owner, or management you want to have the business information available.  Name, address, phone, insurance, etc. This information should be readily available if someone other than the owner has to contact any emergency services.

  6. Additional services to consider: locksmiths; taxi/ride share services; roadside assistance; and the list can go on and on.

Having this information on hand in a place that all can access it can effectively help you deal with an emergency that could occur in your business at any time.  If you don’t have an emergency contact list, TODAY is the time to begin.