Small business owners are natural planners. You likely have a clear vision of how your business should look in six months or a year, and you work hard to reach those goals daily. But sometimes, unexpected events can happen that are beyond your control. However, there are ways to prepare your business for disasters.
National Preparedness Month, celebrated every September, aims to promote disaster preparedness for communities, individuals, and businesses. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Each week in September focuses on a different aspect of disaster planning, helping you assess and improve your current preparedness approach.
The SBA will host a live webinar on preparing for severe weather, future COVID-19 disruptions, and other disasters on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. EDT. Experts from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and the Insurance Information Institute will present, along with two small business owners who will share their experiences in successfully preparing for and recovering from disasters.
**Make a Plan**
Start by identifying the types of disasters common in your region or industry, and develop a plan for what to do before, during, and after such events. If a disaster strikes while you’re at your business location, decide when and how to evacuate or shelter in place, depending on the disaster type. You can learn more about preparing for and responding to specific disasters on the SBA’s website.
Update your existing disaster plans to include the CDC’s safety recommendations for COVID-19. Ensure you know how to communicate with your employees and key stakeholders during an emergency. Keep up-to-date contact information accessible remotely, and consider tools like two-way radios or an alert notification system (ANS) in case phone lines go down.
**Assemble a Kit**
Gather onsite items you’ll need during a disaster. Your emergency kit should include enough supplies to last a few days: flashlights, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, medicines, and bottled water. The CDC also recommends including face masks and sanitizers to protect against COVID-19. Additionally, consider keeping a backup generator at your business location for power outages.
**Prepare for Disasters**
Consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before a disaster happens and update your policies as needed. Regularly back up important data and ensure it’s accessible off-site if your computers get damaged.
Depending on the disaster, there are various ways to strengthen your physical business location to minimize damage and ensure staff safety. For example, to prepare for an earthquake, bolt furniture to walls, install safety latches on cabinets, set up fire sprinklers, and use hook-and-loop fasteners to secure computers and other equipment. Check the SBA’s emergency preparedness site for more tips and specific disaster checklists.
**Teach Youth About Preparedness**
While National Preparedness Month might not seem directly applicable to small businesses, it’s a crucial reminder to ensure your family and home are as prepared for disasters as your business. Have the same precautions in place for your family and personal property, including insurance, a disaster kit, and emergency plans. Make sure everyone in your household, including children, understands the disaster plan.
It’s been a tough year for small businesses, and the SBA is ready to support you through any challenges that come your way. Connect with an SBA resource partner to develop a disaster preparedness plan tailored to your business. And if a federal emergency is declared, apply for disaster assistance at sba.gov/disaster. The SBA is here to help you get back on your feet.
