The Worst That Could Happen

Oklahoma City. Columbine. September 11. Every once in a while, we are reminded life is unpredictable. And if you're responsible for employees and customers, you've come to the conclusion that it's never a bad idea to imagine the unimaginable.

Two authors did just that in what was considered a humor book before September 11. Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht's Worst Case Scenario Handbook advises readers on everything from delivering a baby in a cab to dodging bullets. One day, Piven and Borgenicht might get around to writing such a handbook for entrepreneurs. As unlikely as it is that your business will be in the line of terrorist fire, your company might be in the path of a tornado. No matter how remote or ridiculous the odds seem to you, it's time to start thinking about a contingency plan. Here are a few situations to consider.

This article was originally published in the July 2002 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: The Worst That Could Happen.