This document discusses the importance of business preparedness planning and outlines key elements to include. It notes that 75% of businesses that experience an interruption due to fire close within six months. The document then covers types of emergencies businesses could face, including medical emergencies, violence, natural disasters and service interruptions. It provides an overview of elements that should be included in emergency and business continuity plans such as evacuation plans, emergency communications, medical emergency plans, sheltering plans, and emergency supplies. The document emphasizes the importance of planning for business protection, including communications, inventory protection, information protection and preparing for service disruptions.