Economic Preparedness Guide for Communities

Use this guide to help your community prepare for economic shocks following a disaster event. This guide can be used from start to finish by following each step, or you can refer to a specific section that is most relevant to your economic situation.

In this guide

• Introduction
• Step 1: Gather information
• Step 2: Build your team
• Step 3: Strengthen financial and risk preparedness
• Step 4: Prepare for evacuation
• Need help

Introduction

The economic preparedness guide supports economic development professionals in strengthening their readiness for economic disruption. It complements broader emergency preparedness efforts by focusing specifically on the economic aspects of resilience. While emergency coordinators work directly with the Province on disaster response and recovery, this guide is designed for those focused on the economic well-being of their communities.

Step 1: Gather information

Good information helps businesses plan and helps communities respond better during disruptions.

• Map the local economy by identifying key sectors, major employers, and economic drivers
• Assess economic risks by reviewing local hazards and their potential impact
• Use hazard tools such as the British Columbia hazard map and Know Your Hazards guides to support planning
• List economic assets including infrastructure, tourism events, natural resources, and skilled workers
• Identify vulnerable businesses that may need more support, such as small firms or tourism operators
• Maintain an up-to-date database using local business license data for outreach and coordination
• Store key documents securely in a shared, cloud-based system
• Ensure access to critical files so multiple team members can retrieve them remotely
• Keep data current by regularly updating and auditing for accuracy
• Use reliable sources and subscribe to official channels for alerts and updates
  • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Blog
  • EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter)
  • PreparedBC on Facebook
  • Four Pillars - Emergency management resources for communities newsletter
    • ​Subscribe to Four Pillars here

Step 2: Build your team

Establishing a dedicated group of individuals and organizations focused on economic resilience ensures that your community is ready to respond quickly and effectively when disruption occurs.

• Form an economic resilience committee that includes local government, business support organizations, and key sectors
• Define roles clearly by assigning responsibilities such as committee lead, business liaison, and local government liaison
• Clarify responsibilities by outlining what each role will do before, during, and after a disruption
• Support emergency planning by ensuring business representation is included in the community's emergency plan
• Host regular meetings at least quarterly to review plans, update contacts, and maintain readiness
• Coordinate with emergency management by establishing communication pathways with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and other response agencies
• Maintain open communication using newsletters, social media, and business networks to keep stakeholders informed and engaged
• Encourage peer networks and facilitate business-to-business connections that support shared recovery and resource sharing

Step 3: Strengthen financial and risk preparedness

While individual businesses are responsible for their own insurance, communities play a key role in promoting financial preparedness and reducing economic vulnerability across the local economy.

• Promote insurance awareness by encouraging businesses to review their coverage regularly and offering resources and information sessions with insurance professionals
• Identify coverage gaps by working with business associations and chambers to find sectors or groups that may be underinsured or unaware of their risk
• Share Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program details with businesses and clarify that DFA is not guaranteed and does not replace insurance
• Support continuity planning by providing tools, templates, and training to help businesses build financial preparedness into their plans

Step 4: Prepare to activate emergency plans

Clear activation protocols ensure that your economic resilience team can respond quickly and effectively when a disruption occurs.

• Set activation criteria by defining when to activate your economic response, such as during Emergency Operations Centre activation or major disruptions
• Assign notification roles to ensure the economic resilience committee alerts the Emergency Operations Centre when activation is needed
• Respond to economic impacts by convening the economic resilience committee even if the Emergency Operations Centre is not activated
• Tailor protocols locally to align activation procedures with your community’s specific risks and context
• Document the process so all team members understand their roles and responsibilities
• Meet regularly each quarter to review roles, update plans, and track risks
• Run simulations annually to test activation protocols and communication pathways
• Close gaps by addressing issues identified during exercises or real events
• Integrate planning by aligning economic preparedness with emergency, climate, and development strategies
• Share updates and lessons learned with businesses and partners to strengthen resilience

Need some help?

Contact us with questions or feedback. We're here to help!

Send an email to:  EconomicRecovery@gov.bc.ca