Is Your Business Prepared for an Emergency?
September is recognized nationally as Emergency Preparedness Month, a reminder for individuals, families, and businesses to review their plans and strengthen their resilience.
For businesses in Talbot County, having a plan in place can mean the difference between a quick recovery and long-term disruption.
To support our local business community, Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism is sharing these emergency preparedness resources, designed to help you prepare, respond to, and recover from unexpected events.
SEE ALSO: Preparing Your Talbot County Business for the Hurricane Season
Small Business Continuity Preparedness Guide
This guide, developed by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Maryland Department of Commerce, provides an overview of how to assess risks, safeguard assets, and build resilience into your business operations.
It introduces key steps such as:
- Identifying hazards and vulnerabilities unique to your business.
- Developing an emergency action plan for employees and customers.
- Protecting vital records and critical systems.
- Establishing alternate site operations if your location is inaccessible.
- Connecting with recovery resources at the local, state, and federal level.
The Small Business Continuity Preparedness Guide also serves as a roadmap for building awareness and preparing your team for potential emergencies.
Small Business Continuity Plan Workbook
The companion workbook turns planning into action. It provides customizable templates and worksheets that allow you to:
- Document your business information, team roles, and emergency contacts.
- Create evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures.
- Plan for cybersecurity incidents.
- Identify essential functions and mission-critical systems.
- Build supplier and contractor lists with backup options.
- Track recovery needs and financial impacts with planning worksheets.
The workbook is a practical tool for developing a complete continuity plan tailored to your business.
Why This Matters for Talbot County Businesses
Disruptions can come from storms, floods, power outages, or other emergencies. By using these resources, small businesses can protect their employees, maintain operations, and recover more quickly—strengthening both individual enterprises and the local economy.
We encourage all businesses in Talbot County to download these resources, set aside time to work through them with your team, and take steps toward greater preparedness this month.
Prepared businesses are resilient businesses. Let’s be ready, together.
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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