Evidence indicates that the catastrophe trend is unlikely to end soon. Due to this, it's going to be more important than ever for your business to have a plan for disaster recovery. The better you prepare yourself, the better you will bounce back if a catastrophe does occur.

"What is the worst thing that could happen?"

This is obviously an unpleasant question, but it's necessary to help you determine the disaster exposures your business faces. Besides, if you're prepared for the very worst, then you'll be prepared for almost anything. Once you've addressed this issue, there are several other general steps you can take to be ready for a catastrophe. Here are a few:

1. Create an emergency response team.
Make sure to include employees from all areas of your business. Assign everyone individual responsibilities to guarantee action will be taken.

2. Outline the specific emergency steps you will take.
There's little time to think during an actual crisis. Planning the details in advance will help you act without delay.

3. Develop a communication plan.
Know how you will respond to the media, your customers, and your employees.

4. Protect your vital business documents.
Make copies and store them in a safe, off-site location so you'll have them when you need them.

5. Test your plan regularly.
An occasional trial run gives you the chance to make sure your plan works and to update it if necessary.

One absolutely essential step in protecting your business from disaster is having the right insurance coverage. Of the more than $60 billion in losses due to catastrophes last year, only $9 billion was insured. Please don't be caught in a disaster without the proper business income insurance, extra expense coverage, and insurance for your building and its contents. If you have any questions, we're here to help you.