Empowering Penrith’s Small Businesses: Get Ready for Disasters Resources

In today's unpredictable world, disaster preparedness is an essential aspect of running a small business. In Penrith, a city known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Council is encouraging local businesses to take proactive steps to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

The NSW Government Small Business Commissioner provides invaluable resources under the "Get Ready for Disasters" initiative, designed to provide small businesses with the tools they need to be prepared, resilient, and ready to respond effectively to various disaster scenarios.

The Get Ready for Disasters resources available online constitute a comprehensive collection of materials and actionable guidance aimed at assisting small businesses in disaster preparedness. These easily accessible resources cover a wide range of disaster scenarios, including bushfires, floods, storms, and pandemics.

Key resources and tools available online include disaster preparation guides, detailed checklists, ready-made templates, real life case studies and informational videos.

October is Small Business Month, and Council recommends small businesses in Penrith make the most of the Get Ready for Disasters resources during October by proactively utilising these tools and incorporating disaster preparedness into their business strategies by following these simple steps:

1. Visit the Website

Start by visiting the Get Ready for Disasters resources website. This comprehensive hub is your gateway to a wealth of information and tools designed to enhance your disaster preparedness.

2. Assess Your Risks

Begin with a risk assessment. Understand the types of disasters that are most likely to affect businesses in the Penrith area. This will help you prioritise your preparedness efforts.

3. Explore the Guides and Checklists

Dive into the disaster preparation guides and checklists. These resources will walk you through the steps needed to create a robust disaster preparedness plan tailored to your business.

4. Customise Templates

Make use of the templates available and customise them to suit your business’s unique needs, ensuring that your business continuity and emergency response plans align with your specific circumstances.

5. Engage Your Team

Involve your employees in the preparedness process. Ensure that they are aware of the plans, know their roles in case of a disaster, and have access to necessary training.

6. Regularly Update Plans

Disaster preparedness is an ongoing process. Review and update your plans and resources regularly to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

7. Collaborate with Peers

There are several local organisations such as the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Penrith CBD Corporation, and St Marys Town Centre Corporation that help facilitate collaboration with other small businesses in the Penrith region to share knowledge and resources and enhance the resilience of the local business community.

By leveraging these resources, small businesses in the Penrith region can build resilience and safeguard their operations against unexpected challenges. Disaster preparedness is not just a responsibility; it's an investment in the long-term sustainability of Penrith's vibrant business community.