Build business disaster resilience

The business community needs to prepare for disasters such as severe storms, east coast lows, cyclones, storm surge and localised flooding, heatwaves and bushfires.

Every business is different, and understanding the risks in your location for your industry and the business dependencies help prepare and to create a business continuity plan.

Follow these tips to help prepare your business for a natural disaster:

Develop a business continuity plan

Identify and analyse possible risks to your business
Prepare an emergency kit
Develop a business continuity plan
Consult with local authorities (e.g. Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department) to obtain relevant information to include in your business continuity plan
Regularly review and update your business continuity plan
Store a copy of your business continuity plan off-site in a safe, disaster-proof location
Pack the laptop and mobile phone(s) with spare batteries, power/battery bank and chargers.

Prepare your staff

Include key staff when developing and reviewing your business continuity plan
Consult with staff about the unfolding situation
Develop a task list for your staff to carry out in preparation for and during a disaster event and ensure that this is regularly reviewed
Develop an evacuation plan for your business
Be aware of local evacuation centre locations and preferred evacuation routes
Have a list of emergency phone numbers, including staff contacts
Ensure staff safety by sending them home when necessary.

Protect stock and equipment

Ensure enough stock is on hand to supply customers in the period after the event
Identify where equipment and vehicles can be relocated and protected
Keep enough spare parts on site to ensure equipment remains operational
Plan for extended power outage, including relocating perishable stock to an alternative location
Obtain a generator and sufficient fuel supply to support your business after the event
Establish reciprocal help arrangements with other local businesses to provide support during and after the event.

Check your infrastructure

Check your building is in a sound condition, especially the roof and eaves
Trim overhanging branches and remove rubbish located close to your building
Clear your property of loose items that could become airborne during extreme winds
Treat windows to minimise damage from flying debris (e.g. tape windows or fit them with metal screens or shutters)
Keep ladders handy for roof access (inside and out).

Review your business insurance cover

Check that your insurance is adequate to cover your business in the event of a disaster
Check with your insurance company for any preparations you need to make prior to the event.

Identify important business documents and records

Identify what data in your business is important to keep (data for processing orders and customer records would be considered high importance)
Back up your critical data securely using multiple methods, such as cloud storage and an offline backup (e.g. external hard drive). Store in a safe, waterproof location away from your main premises.
List the essential software and systems your business needs to operate, such as email, accounting programs, point‑of‑sale systems, booking platforms or ordering applications. Ensure you have access to your login details and vendor support contacts.
Document what you need to restore your systems, including laptops or devices, internet connectivity, authentication details, and access permissions.
Locate and pack your critical documentation (e.g. insurance, financial, legal and identification documents) in a portable waterproof container.