Disclaimer: The articles published here on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division website are meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore doing business in our community. They’re not the final word on rules, requirements, or what’s best for your unique situation. We always recommend checking in with legal, financial, or other professionals for advice tailored to your business.
Running a new business in Eau Claire means you’re already juggling a lot—customers to help, orders to fill, day-to-day tasks that never quite seem to end.
With so much happening, thinking about emergency plans can feel like something you’ll “get to later.” But here’s the truth: A little preparation now can save you from big stress down the road. From power outages to severe weather, surprises happen; having a plan keeps your staff safe, protects your space, and helps you bounce back quickly if something goes wrong.
This quick short guide walks you through simple steps any business can take to be ready for the unexpected without adding a ton to your already-full plate.
Why Safety & Emergency Preparedness Matter
Emergencies come in all shapes—from severe weather like storms, floods, or winter freezes to power outages, fire hazards, or security issues like theft or vandalism. Eau Claire is known for its welcoming, supportive community, and we’re lucky to have local resources ready to help when things go sideways. But no matter how strong the support network, the first line of defense is your own preparation.
A clear, well-thought-out safety plan is about protecting what matters most: your employees, customers, and the physical space where your business operates. Think of it as a safety net. When everyone knows what to do and the right steps are in place, emergencies become less overwhelming and more manageable.
Beyond safety, being prepared makes a big difference in how quickly your business bounces back. Disruptions can throw off operations and impact revenue, but a solid emergency plan minimizes downtime and damage. That means you can get back to serving your community and growing your business without losing momentum.
In short, safety and emergency preparedness help you build resilience so your business thrives no matter what comes your way.
Start with a Simple Emergency Plan
You don’t need a thick binder or complex strategy to get started. Sometimes the best plans are simply practical, easy to understand, and tailored to your business. Begin by asking yourself a few key questions to cover the critical parts of staying safe and keeping your operations running:
- What are the most likely emergencies that could affect your business?
Every business is different. For Eau Claire entrepreneurs, this might mean preparing for severe storms or flooding, fire risks, power outages, or unexpected security issues. Knowing what’s most likely helps you focus on what matters.
- How will you communicate with your team and customers if there’s a disruption?
Clear communication is vital when the unexpected happens. Do you have a phone tree, group text, or email list to quickly update employees? How will you keep customers informed—through your website, social media, or signage? Planning communication channels ahead reduces confusion.
- Where are your emergency exits and safety equipment located?
Make sure you and your team know your space’s layout, such as where emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other safety gear are located. Regularly review this with your staff so everyone feels confident if an emergency strikes.
- Who will take charge during an emergency?
Assign roles ahead of time. Who leads evacuation, calls emergency services, or handles internal communications? Clear leadership keeps things organized and calm during a crisis.
- What’s your plan for keeping important documents and data safe?
Losing critical paperwork or business data is a major setback. Think about backing up files using cloud storage, off-site backups, or safely stored physical copies. Protecting information helps your business recover quickly.
Answering these questions gets you on your way to a straightforward emergency plan that fits your unique business. Keep it simple, share it with your team, and review it regularly. Preparedness today makes all the difference tomorrow.
Know Your Local Resources
One of the best parts of doing business in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is being part of a community that shows up for you, especially when it comes to safety and preparedness. Plenty of local organizations and agencies offer expert advice, practical tools, and hands-on help.
Here are key resources every Eau Claire entrepreneur should know:
Eau Claire Fire Department
More than emergency responders, they’re partners in prevention. They offer fire safety inspections to identify hazards, plus guidance on prevention, extinguisher use, and evacuation procedures. Scheduling a visit or asking for advice can help you spot risks early and reduce them.
Eau Claire Police Department
Security is part of safety too. Eau Claire’s police department can help you create a plan to protect against theft, vandalism, or other crime. They provide crime prevention tips tailored to local trends and assist with security assessments or neighborhood watch programs. Building relationships with local officers also gives you peace of mind and practical insights.
Eau Claire County Emergency Management
For real-time updates on severe weather, floods, and other emergencies, this is your go-to resource. They also offer education on disaster preparedness, from building emergency kits to understanding evacuation routes. Signing up for alerts and regularly checking their resources keeps you one step ahead.
Bookmark these contacts and keep their info handy so you can save time and stress later. And don’t hesitate to reach out to them! These organizations want to help build a safer, stronger business community in Eau Claire, and your proactive steps benefit everyone.
Protect Your Space & Your People
Practical steps to protect your space and your people can make a huge difference if something unexpected happens. Many are simple, affordable, and easy to implement.
Here’s what you can do right now:
🧯 Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Smoke detectors are your first alert to fire, so make sure they’re installed throughout your space. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed. Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for your setting (like in the kitchen or office) and kept accessible. Check them routinely to ensure they’re ready when needed.
⚠️ Create and practice a clear evacuation plan.
An evacuation plan shouldn’t just be on paper. Make sure every employee knows exactly what to do when seconds count. Map multiple exit routes, if possible, designate meeting spots outside, and practice drills regularly so everyone acts calmly and quickly.
💾 Back up your business data regularly.
Data loss can be devastating. Use reliable cloud services or off-site backups so important files are safe if your computer or server is damaged. Make backups part of your routine and verify they work properly.
🧰 Keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy.
Accidents happen. Stock your kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and pain relievers. Training a few staff in basic first aid and CPR is a smart way to boost confidence and preparedness too.
☂️ Review your insurance options carefully.
Insurance is your financial safety net. Talk with your agent about coverage that fits your business; for example, fire, theft, flood, and business interruption insurance can all be vital. Understand what’s covered and update your policies as your business grows or changes.
Stay Informed & Prepared
Staying informed is just as important as having a plan. Weather and emergencies can change fast, so make staying connected part of your routine.
1. Sign up for local emergency alerts through Eau Claire County Emergency Management.
Get real-time updates on severe weather, road closures, or urgent events affecting your operations. Alerts come straight to your phone or email, helping you prepare with valuable lead time.
🔗 Start Here: Eau Claire County Emergency Management Notifications ›
2. Follow the City of Eau Claire and local agencies on social media.
Social channels aren’t just for news and events; they’re quick ways for agencies to share important safety updates. Following these accounts gets you timely tips and announcements right in your feed.
🔗 Start Here: City of Eau Claire Facebook Page ›
3. Review and update your emergency plan regularly.
As your business evolves, your plan should too. Review it at least twice a year before storm seasons or after major changes. Update contact info, roles, and procedures, and share changes with your team to keep everyone on the same page.
By staying informed and keeping your plan current, you’ll be ready to act confidently no matter what happens. Building a culture of preparedness supports your business’s long-term success right here in Eau Claire.
Final Thoughts
No one likes thinking about emergencies when they’re focused on growing a new business. But spending time now to prepare can protect all the hard work you’ve invested. Eau Claire’s community is here to support you, and with a solid safety and emergency plan, you’ll be ready to face whatever comes your way.
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division
Kendall’s role is to champion local businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s helping new entrepreneurs find the right location, supporting existing businesses as they grow, managing the City’s loan programs, or providing data to guide smart decisions, she’s all about making Eau Claire a place where businesses can thrive.
