You have created a comprehensive strategy to deal with potential disasters. Now is the time to review disaster response information with staff. Everyone who works in the office, including temporary employees, should know where your disaster manual is kept and be familiar with its contents.

Don't forget to cover the material with new staff members. Conduct drills and practice sessions if necessary until everyone is comfortable with their role in implementing the plan.

It's easy to get revved up about a plan when you first develop it—and even easier to shove it in a drawer and forget about it later. Discuss it with members of your community and professional support network. Let local officials know you’ve developed a course of action to deal with emergencies. Make them aware that you take such things seriously.

Remember—your plan should always be current and you should modify it as you gain new insights or gather new information. If you have to use it, take the time afterward to evaluate what worked and what didn't. Alter the procedures, if necessary, and you will be even better prepared in the future.

Thank you to the Florida Dental Association and Florida Dental Health Foundation for providing significant contributions to this content, which were funded in part from the American Dental Association Foundation .