A new study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce conducted at last month’s America’s Small Business Summit 2010 finds that a great many U.S. small businesses are not only not prepared in the event of a disaster, but haven’t really even given thought to looking into getting prepared.

Nearly 44 percent of small firms are operating without a business continuity strategy in case of disaster, and almost two-thirds have never even spoken to their insurance agents about contingency planning, a survey by Travelers revealed.

The survey—conducted last month at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce America’s Small Business Summit 2010, in Washington, D.C.—found that risk prevention is often not “top of mind” among the 101 small-business owners queried, who are instead focused on sales and marketing opportunities, explained Robyn Hahn, vice president of marketing research and development with Travelers.

“Fifty-five percent of small-business owners spend less than 10 percent of their time” on risk management, she noted, although 60 percent felt they were able to make the time, if necessary.

“It is concerning when you look at the small amount of time small-business owners are spending on identifying and preventing risk. Perhaps the question really is, do they have a good, solid understanding to assess business risks, and is there an opportunity to educate,” Ms. Hahn said.

Read more at the National Underwriter Property & Casualty website.