Hurricane Preparation Tips for Your Small Business

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

In order to be best prepared to face a hurricane, there are a few key things you and your team can do before, during, and after a hurricane.

With hurricane season upon us, it is vital that you and your small business are prepared to overcome a storm. Especially for a small business, hurricanes can be extremely costly and damage many resources. In order to be best prepared to face a hurricane, there are a few key things you and your team can do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Compared to other natural disasters, hurricanes are much more predictable. While no one ever wishes for one of these storms, it is helpful to know when hurricanes are on the horizon so you can prepare your small business. However, even before a hurricane starts heading for land, you should always have a plan in place for an emergency like this.

Here are some things your small business could do before a hurricane approaches:

Safely Backup Data

In the digital age, so many business operations take place online, and it is crucial to have a proper data backup in place. This data should be backed up regularly, not only in a state of emergency. It will be much easier to restore data if this backup processed is already part of your day-to-day operations.

Know Your Insurance Policies

Most insurance policies do not cover flooding, however, if your business is at extreme risk for flooding it could be a good idea to look into flood insurance. You should always stay up to date with your insurance policies to know what is covered and what is not.

Create a Disaster Kit

In case of an emergency, it is always a good idea to have a disaster kit on hand and fully stocked. A disaster kit for hurricane should include flashlights, extra batteries, food and water, a first aid kit, and other critical supplies.

Prepare the Building

The physical office space cannot be overlooked during a hurricane. Take precautions by removing anything outdoors that can be affected by the storm, disconnecting the main electrical fields to prevent potential fires, and install shutters or protective plywood over windows and doors.

Rely on Remote Work

In the age of COVID-19, many businesses have come to rely on remote work options and have learned how to adapt their business to successfully function outside of the office. After a hurricane, if there is flooding or the inability to commute, having these remote work options in place can be very helpful to keep your business up and running.

Implement Effective Communication

You should have an emergency communication plan in place and ensure that all of your team members are up to date. This can include strategies on how to communicate with employees, customers, stakeholders, and suppliers, before and after the storm.

While hurricanes cannot be avoided, taking these necessary steps can ensure your business will hold its own against the storm. As always, if your business have sustained damage from a hurricane, our commercial storm damage restoration team is here for you. Call us today to learn more.