I had to opportunity to participate in two significant seminars the week of February 18th on the topic of business preparation for emergencies and disasters.

The first was hosted by the Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo under the able leadership of its President and CEO Mike Manchak. Mike assembled a terrific team of speakers led by the local American Red Cross leader Grace McIntosh who provided precise and detailed information to the 200 business folks assembled about how to prepare, thoughtfully and straightforwardly, for unexpected and potentially long-term disruptions in business. San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President Ruben Barrales punctuated the event with his keynote address that told of the devastating impact that last fall’s firestorms had on his family and colleagues.

The next day a similar event was hosted in Santa Barbara by the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce and its very capable President and CEO Kristen Amyx. Kristen also recruited a dynamic team of panelists who presented excellent information to the 75 business people in attendance. Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Board Vice Chair Kate King capped the event with her keynote speech reviewing how her members deal with the regular and often devastating floods in the Napa region.

Both event organizers compiled notebooks for the participants containing not only the panelists’ presentations but solid information to assist the businesses attending—and any other interested parties—to do their disaster preparedness planning. Most of these materials are available now on the two organizations’ web sites.

Here are some key websites—and this is by no means an exhaustive list—that also provide excellent disaster preparation information:

• Ready America: This website sponsored by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security is a treasure trove of valuable information. It offers a series of useful check lists that walk both businesses and families through the steps that lead to a robust plan.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has valuable check lists and kits for business preparedness.

• Similarly, the Small Business Administration offers a number of practical tools to assist businesses in this area.

• In California, the Office of Emergency Services(OES) and the California Volunteers agency provide planning tools for individuals, families, and businesses. In addition, OES offers professional courses in disaster preparedness and recovery.

We at the Office of Small Business Advocate urge every business to develop and implement its own disaster preparedness plan NOW. Your own ability to thrive and the state’s economic vitality depend on each business getting back on its feet as soon after a disaster as possible.

One sobering statistic, presented by Mr. Kirk Coviello of Digital West Networks at the SLO event, should highlight the urgency of getting our act together: 50% of businesses that loose access to their business data for two weeks or more go out of business immediately, and 93% within a year.

Don’t let that happen to you.