S10 - Session O2 - Emergency preparedness: planning for the next normal

Authors: Eric Barrett *, Robert Leeds

The ability to deal with emergencies in a quick, positive, and caring manner is essential as the global community transitions to the next normal. This is key for business continuity as the world prepares for continued challenges amidst the global health crisis, climate change and economic uncertainty. Now more than ever, businesses have a significant responsibility to their employees, customers, and stakeholders to plan for sustainability in challenging times. Developing simple, yet forward thinking plans is essential. This presentation will share an emergency preparedness planning process that focuses on a simplicity, crisis communications, liability management, and flexibility. The authors will share over a decade of research and bulletins that provided a backbone for emergency planning. Their two major bulletins on guidance for operations during COVID-19 and their AgritourismReady Quick Reference Guide are the basis for planning for all types of emergencies from natural disasters to security emergencies and even man-made disasters. The planning process includes plan outlines for all types of emergencies, methods from recovering, and ways to improve practices for the future. Case studies of agritourism operations, festivals, and retail business who have adopted the processes will be highlighted.