Is Your Business Prepared for an Influenza Outbreak?

A recent Harvard Study revealed that many American businesses are unprepared in the event of a flu outbreak and cannot sustain normal operations with lengthy employee absences.  How would your business operations be affected by an outbreak of H1N1?

Small businesses are especially susceptible to the negative economic impacts of a flu pandemic.  An estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety.  Planning from the outset is essential and can help offset business losses and protect your business and your employees if an outbreak occurs.

The benefits of planning include the following:
• Minimizes disruption to business activities
• Protects employees’ health and safety
• Limits the negative impact to the community, economy and society

An influenza season is rapidly approaching along with the new threat of the H1N1 outbreak.  While no one can predict the severity of the return of H1N1 this season, and given that small businesses are the nation's largest employers, the SBA and the Department of Homeland Security have teamed up to release an Influenza Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses to help plan for a 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak.

This guide includes tips to help business owners keep themselves and their business healthy, provides answers to frequently asked questions, and offers a lot of valuable information.  You are encouraged to download the guide and prepare your company for the worst case scenario.

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