Businesses may face increased risks during periods of public protests and civil unrest, which can threaten employees, disrupt operations, and damage property. You can help mitigate these risks by considering the following actions:
When civil unrest arises—or appears on the horizon—communicate as soon as possible with your staff to express concern, emphasize the importance of situational awareness, and provide critical guidance to ensure employee and customer safety.
Property in areas with unrest faces the threat of damage, looting, and arson. The following steps can help protect your company’s facilities:
Vacant buildings are particularly vulnerable to damage during periods of civil unrest—and with the temporary closure of many offices and stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even more facilities than usual may be at risk. In addition, in times of civil unrest, first responders can be spread thin and may not be able to provide protection. Taking the following steps can help limit damage to vacant premises:
Develop or update your business continuity plan to help your company resume operations quickly after any disruptions caused by civil unrest or other events. Effective business continuity plans include:
As part of preparing your business for any major disruption—including civil unrest—coordinate with local law enforcement and public safety officials. Also be ready to make quick adjustments to your operations. Flexibility can pay off in protecting your business and speeding your recovery.
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