Widespread flu or infectious disease outbreak, monsoon flooding, power outages, and fire are common types of major events that may affect your daily routine.

Events such as these could impact your workplace and your personal business operations. Fluctuations in personnel, inventory and potential power disruption are just some of the possible scenarios you will need to consider.

But how can businesses plan for widespread Flu? We have researched checklists, online tools, and have found useful reading that may help you become more knowledgeable about preparedness.

• Small Business guidance and practical tools to help you respond to the Novel H1N1 pandemic - Sept. 15, 2009 // www.flu.gov
• Pandemic planning resources from HHS - July 9, 2009 // www.flu.gov
• Specific guidance for pandemic planning // www.PandemicFlu.gov
• NEW Business and Workplace Guidance for H1N1 from ADHS// www.azdhs.gov
• It's Good Business to Plan for Disaster // www.fema.gov
• Workplace Planning // www.PandemicFlu.gov
• Prepare Your Workplace and Employees // www.RedCross.org
• Further planning tools from the American Red Cross's program Ready Rating
• Business Continuity Planning // www.HomelandSecurity.AZ.gov

• Tips to plan for and modify business practices and policies in the event of an influenza pandemic at work // www.fas.org/ReallyReady
• Prepare Your Workplace and Employees // www.RedCross.org
• Communicate, educate, and provide resources for employees and enrollees
• CDC Promotes Partnerships in Emergency Response

Taking a few moments to read this material, NOW, may make a big difference in how you or your employer manage the unexpected if it occurs here in our Valley.