While there is no standard protocol for helping employees cope with a disaster, it's always a good idea to allow them time to reflect, mourn, and cope with their anxiety. Strive to be understanding and compassionate, to communicate with them in a sincere manner, and to offer a variety of options regarding how much they work and when. It's also a good idea to have your human resources professional notify them of any grief or anxiety counseling options that are available through your benefits plan.

For more on disaster preparedness, be sure to read Preparing an Evacuation Plan for Your Office.