Every organization is dependent on business partners for some products and services such as gas, electricity, water, food, etc., or needed materials.

 Use the checklist below to prepare for a potential interruption of these materials, products, and services.

• Does our business partner/supplier have a documented Emergency Action Plan?
• Do they make a version of this plan available for review by partners?
• Do we have evidence that the partner’s plan would effectively address our needs in the event of an emergency?
• Does the partner’s plan address security and safety concerns that might arise during a crisis?
• Do we have evidence that the partner’s management supports the plan and would make resources available to implement it in an emergency?
• Does the partner periodically test and update their plan?
• Does the plan comply with established standards?
• Has the partner disclosed how their plan rates against accepted standards (e.g., as rated by Ready Rating)?
• Does the partner have personnel assigned to emergency response team roles?
• Does the partner conduct an annual risk assessment process?
• Is the partner willing to share their latest risk assessment?
• Does the partner’s plan have escalation points based on the severity of the emergency?
• Does the partner conduct regular emergency response exercises?
• Do we invite partners to participate in our emergency exercises?
• Does the partner’s plan account for a disruption of their service/supply chain partners?
• Do you have an emergency contact list for reaching the partner in an emergency?
• Does the partner’s plan address disruption of their worksite, personnel, and technical infrastructure?
• Does the supplier have a multiple stream delivery capability (i.e., alternate service delivery methods available)?