The severe weather that hit downtown Atlanta over the weekend provided a devastating example of why business continuity and disaster planning is so critical, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

"Businesses that had plans in place are back in business today," said IBHS Business Protection Manager Lisa Hyams. "Even if a company's physical location was not affected by the storm, restricted access to the area could keep doors closed. Those who have provided for alternative workforce strategies and had secured substitute operations sites are in much better shape today.

"The fact that this event occurred on a weekend impacts businesses differently and makes communication plans that much more important. And businesses that previously established relationships with cleanup and repair contractors are now reaping the benefits of having the foresight that comes from developing a business continuity and disaster plan."

Businesses that were not affected by the Atlanta tornado but recognize it as a warning for their operations can start with the top five steps - steps that IBHS recommends for all companies:

- Review current business insurance policies with an agent or broker to get a complete understanding of policy deductibles, limits and coverage. For example, policies that cover expenses and loss of net business income may not cover income interruptions due to damage that occurs away from your premises.

- Keep copies of the following documents at separate sites: - insurance policy and agent contact information - lease papers - photographs of property - inventory lists - computer files

- Create a list of important telephone numbers and contact information for:

- emergency services - building manager/owner - employees - key customers, suppliers and vendors - utilities

- Consider an alternate location for emergency operations and explore options.

- Review disaster plans with employees.

IBHS offers a free business continuity and disaster planning toolkit on its web site. Visit http://www.disastersafety.org/ and click on Open for Business®.

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization wholly supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.