When disaster strikes, business will suffer. But the coordinator for the Langley Emergency Program is hoping to combine community and economic reconstruction under one pro-gram.

Ginger Sherlock is starting to put together a list of local companies that can offer their services in the event of a major emergency or disaster.

That might range from a localized problem, like a small flood caused by a bursting water main, to a major earthquake that hits the whole region. Whatever it is that strikes Langley, City and Township staff will be able to turn to their list and call up local firms.

Need rubble removed? Call construction companies with backhoes and bulldozers. Need a home or business rebuilt? Call a local restoration firm. Need lunch for firefighters or police? Call a local caterer or restaurant.

"It makes sense to first see what local resources we have," said Sherlock.

Firms that already do construction and emergency response will be key for the list, but they won't be the only types of companies Sherlock wants to reach.

"We also need to feed people. We also need to clothe people. We also need to house people," Sherlock said.

Firms from laundromats to hotels, restaurants to bakeries, will also have a role to play.

Sherlock mentioned two businesses in New York City that aided the first responders after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

A baker shut down by the devastation re-opened as a sandwich truck bringing lunch to the firefighters.

A laundromat had to close to the public, but took in the extra laundry generated by hotels where emergency responders were staying.

"By connecting and thinking outside the box, we're able to be part of the solution," Sherlock said.

The list won't just help in the aftermath of a disaster, it will help keep businesses open. Employees will keep being paid, and resources will be deployed locally, keeping money in the community during a difficult time.

Once the list is up and running, Sherlock plans to keep it updated with yearly phone calls.

She'll need to check on what resources every company has, and to update their contact information.

But other than that, the project will be relatively inexpensive, and she believes it will be useful, whether residents ever see a big quake or typhoon in Langley.

Any business interested in joining the list of emergency business contacts should contact Sherlock at ep@langleycity.ca, by phone at 604-514-2810, or by fax at 604-530-3853.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com