The Worst That Could Happen It's time to face your worst business nightmares. Don't cover your ears and cringe until you hear how you can prepare yourself.

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

Two authors did just that in what was considered a humor bookbefore September 11. Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht'sWorst Case Scenario Handbook advisesreaders on everything from delivering a baby in a cab to dodgingbullets. One day, Piven and Borgenicht might get around to writingsuch a handbook for entrepreneurs. As unlikely as it is that yourbusiness will be in the line of terrorist fire, your company mightbe in the path of a tornado. No matter how remote or ridiculous theodds seem to you, it's time to start thinking about acontingency plan. Here are a few situations to consider.