DHS: Plan for the Worst Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says this year’s devastating hurricanes should alert business owners that they need a disaster plan. For example, he said, some of the disruption in transportation after the recent storms could have been avoided if gas stations had bought generators to keep their pumps operating when the power went out. DHS and the Ad Council are launching a series of public service announcements aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. A survey of businesses by the Ad Council revealed that only 39% had a disaster plan, although 92% of those responding agreed that such plans are important. The survey found that many business owners said they didn’t have the time, personnel or money to develop a plan for business continuity after a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The advertising effort is part of DHS’s “Ready Business” campaign. Its website, www.ready.gov/business, provides information on how to develop a disaster plan, including step-by-step templates and cost estimates.