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Take time during National Safety Month to prepare your business for natural disasters.
Washington, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Think about the time and resources you’ve invested in your small business. Imagine everything is gone: furniture, appliances, equipment, records, everything. What do you do?
“There will be problems with your flight from all directions,” said a SCORE customer. Mark Debnerwhose Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based business DPI Quality Custom Finishes was hit hard by the 2008 floods and the 2020 Midwest derecho. “When you’re under a lot of pressure, you make quick decisions. Don’t beat yourself up if you make a few bad mistakes while you’re recovering.”
SCORE customers Shannon (pictured) and Mark Debner of DPI Quality Custom Finishing, Painting and Finishing Contractor, which was damaged by the 2008 Iowa flood.
While you can’t prevent natural disasters, a proactive disaster management plan can help minimize the impact on your business and help you get back to normal operations. This National Security Month, consider these tips for developing a strategy:
Prepare a contingency plan of action
Consider the feasibility of working from a nearby rented office or warehouse space, or even your home. Perhaps a mutual agreement with a friendly competitor to share space and other facilities should be considered. Determine what tools and other resources are needed to continue operations. Important documents, backup copies of computer records, and other important data should be stored securely off-site or in the cloud.
SCORE client Jennifer better She felt the impact of Hurricane Matthew on her art retail business, Artware. Hilton Head Island, SC In the year “My SCORE mentor encouraged me to have a hurricane plan because I was within walking distance of the water,” Meglier said in 2016. “He helped me sort through packed items and equipment to get rid of if we had to evacuate. SCORE also encouraged me to set aside emergency funds to help bridge the gap. Insurance can help – but it can take a long time to receive. Money to move on.”
Ensure the safety of customers and employees
Develop an evacuation plan that includes access to shelter, hospitals, and other emergency services. Clearly post emergency phone numbers and maintain up-to-date emergency contact and essential medical information for all employees.
Perform a safety inventory.
Clean and inspect smoke detectors regularly, change batteries at least once a year. Make sure you have plenty of well-stocked first aid kits and all fire extinguishers are fully charged. Keep a supply of all types of batteries for use in your business and consider purchasing a portable generator for emergency power, fuel is safely stored.
Review your business insurance coverage
Your coverage should be sufficient to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. It should cover the replacement costs of buildings, contents and necessary facilities. Special coverage may be required to cover computer hardware, software and stored data. An important consideration is additional cost coverage for business interruption and loss of income and other expenses for a quick return to normal operations. A qualified, professional commercial insurance agent can prove to be a valuable resource in developing a risk management plan for your business.
It can help you prepare SCORE.
“It is imperative that individuals and businesses take this seriously and prepare accordingly as we approach the start of the 2023 hurricane season,” said SCORE’s Richmond advisor. Gray Poehler.
A SCORE consultant can help you consider potential risks and develop a contingency plan. Find a counselor Visit SCORE’s today Resistance center For additional facilities.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, professional advice, resources and education in all 50 US states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.
Funding has been provided [in part] Agreement with the US Small Business Administration.
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