Katrina: grim reminder to prepare for the worst

The worst natural disaster Americans may have seen will strike Gulf Coast small businesses especially hard. Sadly, as Web CPA notes, "Somewhere among the people...wading through the debris of their home and work, there are a number of businesspeople kicking themselves, knowing they could and should have been better prepared."

But how can you anticipate the unthinkable? Most modest companies lack data-recovery plans, and even a vast backup system is useless when damaged. Using online backup services or burning discs to grab as a last resort may be the best options.