Yes it really is time to get ready for disaster. Sure, there's a heightened awareness because the 2007 Hurricane Season starts tomorrow, but if you listen to the news you know that there are disasters anywhere and everywhere every single day. Just what are you waiting for?

With the official start of another hurricane season upon us, a new national survey reveals some startling insights about small business attitudes towards being prepared for a potential disaster. Conducted by TNS NFO and commissioned by Office Depot, the survey illustrates a troubling fact: the majority (57 percent!) of small business owners and decision-makers are not worried about the impact a disaster can have on their business. With experts predicting that 2007 will be an active hurricane season, these results are cause for concern. Additional findings reveal that:

- 71 percent of small business employees work at a company that does not have a disaster preparedness plan;
- Two-thirds (64 percent) of those companies without a plan contend “we don’t need it”; and
- One in five businesses (18 percent) do not back up business data at all.

"Not having a plan or back-up system in place can result in a business closing for good," said Jon Toigo, an IT veteran and author of numerous books on disaster planning and recovery. "Just as you would prepare your home and family for a potential disaster, it’s important that you also ready your business. There are simple, affordable solutions that will help protect you, your employees and your business.”

Office Depot is continuing its education campaign to help small businesses get a head start on disaster preparedness this year.  The Company has created a free downloadable brochure entitled Expecting the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness Strategies for Small Business available at www.officedepot.com/getprepared.

Get your copy today and get prepared. Now.