Prepare your business for disasters

A person using a forklift to prepare their business.

Learn how to prepare and protect your business from natural disasters and hazards.

Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia. Operating a business in Moreton Bay requires planning to ensure it is disaster resilient.

These events can have major impacts on your business, including:

A significant loss of income, reputation, operation and disruption.
Health of all staff, customers, suppliers and contractors.
Damage to assets like buildings, machinery, electrical and equipment.
Stock loss of perishables, produce and inventory.
Disruption of telephony, servers, marketing, cloud storage and internet.
Security disruptions to surveillance, access and cyber security.
Goods delivery and supply chain logistics.
Delays, non-fulfilment, public relations and social media reputation.
Access issues with customers, workforce or support agencies.

Knowing your risk is vital to planning and recovery. To learn more, visit understand your risks.

Preparing a business continuity plan is important, fast and easy to do. Creating a plan leaves you and your business more resilient to our City’s natural hazards.

Business preparedness steps

Developing a recovery plan will set a pathway to recover and reduce the time for you to resume your standard operation. Follow the below checklist to ensure that your business is disaster ready.

Understand your risks

Understand the natural hazards that could affect your business.
Know where to find current warnings and information.

Protect your business

Prepare an emergency kit that is stocked and easy to access.
Check your insurance is up to date and covers your business, assets, and any repairs or rebuilds.
Back up your data and store digital copies of key documents offsite or in the cloud.
Maintain your property by cleaning gutters, trimming trees and securing the premises.
Secure loose items, remove rubbish, and safely store hazardous or flammable materials.
Secure freestanding furniture and equipment.
Protect your premises with alarms, surveillance, and fire-or flood-resistant materials where possible.

Protect livestock and equipment

If applicable, prepare a livestock emergency plan.
Plan how to move or protect stock, livestock, vehicles, and equipment.
Check that water systems, pumps, and generators are working.
Ensure you have enough fuel and water supplies.

Plan for disruptions

Plan for disruptions to business operations.
Create a contact list for staff and suppliers, print it, and store it in a waterproof container.
Plan how to communicate with customers if business operations are disrupted.

Prepare your people

Train staff in evacuation procedures, first aid, and when to activate emergency plans.
Encourage staff to have their own household emergency plans and kits.