Emergency Resources
Emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. Employers and workers may be required to deal with an emergency when it is least expected, and proper planning is necessary to respond effectively. Approximately 50% of small businesses impacted by a disaster never reopen.
When an emergency strikes, and you aren't sure where to turn, this resource page is designed to help businesses answer basic questions by connecting them with local, regional, and federal resources pertaining to disasters. The resources provided on this page are designed to help businesses with natural or manmade issues including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, toxic gas, explosions, civil disturbances, active shooter, and workplace violence.
Toolkit
Checklist and Plan
The following crisis plan and checklist template have been compiled to capture the critical information you will need in a crisis. Don’t be daunted by its length; it provides a clear and concise step-by-step format to work through:
Resources
The Austin Chamber strives to connect members to free online disaster-related resources that allow businesses impacted by emergency situations to find the help or answers they need during a catastrophe. These free resources include:
- City of Austin Homeland Security
- Ready Campaign
- The University of Texas
- U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA
- Car Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
Chamber Industry Resources for Small Businesses
- ACCE Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Toolkit
- Small Business Recovery Plan
- Disaster Response Plan for CFOs
FEMA Resources for Businesses
When a disaster strikes, it can cost money. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides businesses with free resources to help navigate them through a crisis:
- Emergency Preparedness Resources for Business
- Every Business Should Have a Plan (12-page booklet)
- Business Continuity Plan
- What are the Costs?
- Emergency Response Plan
- Program Committee Coordinator Worksheet
- Commuter Emergency Plan
Books
To assist businesses in the recovery process sometimes you just need a good book. Business owners can research emergency management laws and cases via the following books:
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management: A Legal Guide (Edited by Ernest Abbott and Otto J. Hetzel)
- Global Cases in Best and Worse Practice in Crisis and Emergency Management (edited by Ali Farazmand)
Training
Emergency Preparedness Training
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides businesses with crisis management training through their Emergency Management Institute, Center for Domestic Preparedness as well as the National Training and Education Division. See a complete list of courses below:
- Ready.gov
- Protecting Your Home or Small Business From Disaster
- Business Training Resources
- FEMA Emergency Management Communication
Communication
Public Safety
During a crisis, there is an inherent desire to reassure the public. Luckily, these following entities help businesses with public safety in times of emergencies:
- City of Austin
- City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Austin Police Department
- Austin Fire Department
Media
When a crisis happens, the media can be a useful tool for disseminating accurate and timely information. Below are media entities in the Austin region you can turn to for information during a crisis:
Social Media
In addition to the news media pages mentioned above, the following social media platforms can also provide you with timely information.