When businesses set up shop, it's important for owners to take into account the possibilities of severe weather. Depending on the location, different concerns need to be kept in mind. It's wise to conduct a thorough business impact analysis, to ensure that the company and all employees will be prepared for numerous situations.

Alaskan residents and shop owners felt a 7.5 magnitude earthquake last Friday night, prompting a tsunami warning, as officials feared that the quake could spur significant tidal waves. However, the Associated Press reported that the alert was cancelled when the ocean stayed relatively calm.

Sitka Police Chief Sheldon Schmitt told The AP in a phone interview that while there might have been initial panic, the situation began to resolve itself when the waves didn't reach above six inches. Even before the official all clear signal was given to the town, he said that everyone was beginning to relax.

This blog has previously discussed the importance of table top exercises, especially for evacuation situations. While Craig Police Chief Robert Ely told the news source that there were no reports of injuries or tidal waves, some individuals still opted to evacuate.

"Several citizens elected on their own to move to higher ground. Several locations in Craig were set up for staging (and) shelter," Chief Ely told the news source, adding that "no evacuation was ordered."

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was centered about 60 miles west of Craig, Alaska. There were several aftershocks, including a 5.2 quake felt in southeastern Alaska and British Columbia.

In situations like this, it's important for business employees as well as residents to be prepared. Business continuity plans are crucial, as they can ensure quick business resumption, even if areas need to be evacuated.