It's a given that most areas in the U.S. are subject to some level of disaster—terrorist attacks, power failures, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes—and wise business people would be prudent to prepare in advance.

Here's how to go about it:

First, make the commitment to prepare and then follow through. Many learned last week that it is better to be years early, than only one day late. Then, prepare a list of emergency supplies which you need to store. A disaster striking in the future - while most are on the job—is guaranteed. Store a generous supply of water (4 gallons per person); plenty for yourself, your staff, and, if possible, enough to share with others. Store ready to eat foods like power bars, nuts, and canned fruit. These items, as well as juices, nuts, crackers, and peanut butter can be stored for long periods of time. To maintain freshness, you may replace the items every six months, take the "old" items home and use them. Store extra clothing, such as long pants, gloves, long sleeved shirts, a hat, coats and blankets in cold climates. You may need them in the event you lose the ability to heat your business. Find them in a second-hand store. Store flashlights, extra batteries, plastic garbage bags with ties, a first aid kit, moist towelettes, and a signal whistle; also paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, a can opener, knives, aluminum foil, paper and pens. Make an emergency toilet using a bucket lined with plastic garbage bags. Bleach or other disinfectant will be needed. When disasters strike, be flexible and adaptable. Think through whether to close your business. A convenience store in Detroit stayed open despite the lack of power. Packaged and canned foods sold off the shelves, and milk was offered at discount for immediate consumption. The store offered can-openers, too. Without power, the cash register could not work, so they fell back on the old cash box system. They were able to help meet the needs of customers and keep sales going because they were adaptable. They did not surrender to the situation. The motto is to be prepared. If you are, you may be able to keep your business intact. This article is used by permission from Steve Marr's Business Proverbs. Steve's passion is to empower ministry and business leaders with God's ancient Wisdom for enhanced performance and excellence. He resides in Tucson, Arizona with his family.