Cyclone Alfred was a warning: Is your business ready for the next disaster?
Cyclone Alfred may not have hit Brisbane with the full force originally predicted, but it was still a stark reminder of how disruptive natural disasters can be. Power outages, communication failures, and operational disruptions impacted businesses across the region.
Recovery was smoother for those who had invested in emergency response planning. For others, the cyclone highlighted critical gaps, from staff coordination to supply chain breakdowns and business continuity failures.
The reality is that disasters aren’t just about extreme weather. Fire, cyberattacks, equipment failures, or even something as simple as a local water main burst can cause unexpected disruptions. The consequences can be severe if your business doesn’t have an emergency response plan in place.
Three key phases of emergency risk management
A proactive emergency response plan isn’t just about reacting to a crisis—it’s about reducing risk, minimising downtime, and ensuring continuity.
- Prevention and preparedness
- Identify potential risks that could impact your business—whether it’s flooding, power failures, or data breaches.
- Implement proactive safety measures such as regular maintenance, clear emergency protocols, and staff training.
- Ensure employees aren’t just aware of the plan but have time to personally prepare as well. Businesses that allowed staff to secure their homes ahead of Cyclone Alfred found that employees were better equipped to support business continuity.
- Disaster Recovery
- Assess damage quickly, whether it’s physical (property, infrastructure, equipment) or operational (data loss, staff disruptions, financial strain).
- Have a clear process for restoring services—coordination with suppliers, IT support, and facility repairs should be planned before disaster strikes.
- Consider unexpected needs—staff well-being is just as critical as operational recovery. Employees may need additional support after an emergency, especially if their homes or families were affected.
- Business Continuity
- Develop plans to maintain critical functions even if systems go offline. Backup power, remote working setups, and secondary suppliers can prevent prolonged downtime.
- Prepare communication strategies in advance—businesses that had pre-written client notifications during Cyclone Alfred were able to update customers quickly about service disruptions.
- Ensure clear leadership and accountability so that employees and stakeholders know exactly what steps to follow.
Beyond the obvious risks: The hidden consequences of disasters
Many businesses assume an emergency will only impact physical assets, but some of the biggest disruptions aren’t always visible.
- Employee availability: If staff are focused on protecting their homes or families, business recovery will be delayed. Allowing time for personal preparation is critical.
- Technology failures: Power outages or internet blackouts can make remote work impossible. If your continuity plan relies on digital access, it must include alternative communication channels.
- Supply chain disruptions: Even if your business is unaffected, a key supplier going offline can halt operations. Having backup vendors or contingency plans is essential.
- Reputation damage: Customers and partners remember how businesses handle crises. Delayed responses or poor communication can hurt long-term relationships and brand trust.
Being prepared is more than a safety measure—It’s a business strategy
Emergency planning isn’t just about compliance or risk management—it’s about ensuring your business can operate, adapt, and recover faster than the competition.
If Cyclone Alfred caught your business off guard, now is the time to put a structured plan in place before the next emergency strikes.
Contact Us if you need help putting together an Emergency Plan for your business.