In order to recover quickly after a disaster strikes, you need to plan ahead. With a well-practiced emergency plan, your team can jump into action the moment you say go in order to prepare ahead of a storm, flood or fire. A solid plan should include steps to take before, during and after a disaster in order to keep work flowing no matter what happens.

Good communication is one of the most important parts of your disaster plans. Going over emergency procedures should not only be a part of new employee training, but it should also be something you visit often with your entire team to ensure everyone remembers each step to take.

Regularly host walk-throughs of your building to remind your crew where water shut-offs are and what the fastest escape routes are. Make sure everyone knows where fire extinguishers are located, and how to operate them. It may be ideal to assign staff members tasks in the event of an emergency, like securing outdoor items ahead of a storm or shutting off water during an internal flood event, in order to protect different areas of your building.

After a disaster threat is over, it is important for your employees to know how work will start back. If they are expected to work remotely, make sure they know how to access secure sites and have the proper equipment. If an alternate location is going to be used, everyone should know where and when to report there.

The more forms of communication you can use, the better, as some networks could be down long-term after a disaster strikes. Staying in constant contact with your staff will ensure a seamless transition back to work, as well as regular updates on everyone’s safety.