What about the aftermath of a disaster? Would your business survive? Would you know how to get in touch with all your employees if your computer records were destroyed? What about your accounts receivables? And the data on your office computers?

Although there's nothing you can do to prevent disasters, there are some things you can do to limit injuries, deaths, and to give your business a fighting chance at a new start. One key: develop a disaster plan that will guide your family, employees and business through the worst of the disaster and help you get back on your feet again in the future.

September is National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is a nationwide coordinated effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.

The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks, and to encourage individuals to take action to prepare themselves and their families.

To help businesses and families create effective disaster plans, the US government has created a number of disaster planning forms and checklists for businesses and family. These are available free of charge in English and Spanish at the Ready campaign websites, www.ready.gov and www.listo.gov. You can also get free emergency preparedness information in English or Spanish from these toll free numbers: 1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO.

If you haven't already done so, take the time to visit the ready sites and create a disaster preparedness plan for your business and family. Do it now, before it's too late.