We know how to prepare our homes and families for disasters, and preparing your business is just as important. Please use this guide to prepare your business for impact and increase its resiliency for a stronger response and recovery.
When preparing your business structure, you must also plan for business operations interruptions and ensure your employees are prepared for disaster impacts. Confirm your employees have a safety plan and are given time to prepare their home.
To prepare your business, ask yourself a few of the below questions.
Did you check if your business insurance covers damages caused by hurricanes and other disasters? Does your coverage cover loss of revenue?
Have you thought about getting a generator so your business can keep running even if the power goes out?
Which flood/evacuation zone is your business in?
What is your landlord’s reopening process?
Can you operate in a different location or coordinate business reciprocity with office space? Can you operate remotely?
Do you have cash to continue business operations?
Do you have an updated contact list with all your employees, Board of Directors, suppliers, customers, and emergency contacts?
Did you let your staff know about your emergency response plan and what they should do in case of a hurricane/disaster?
Did you set expectations of employees returning to work?
Are you keeping important documents, equipment, and inventory safe? Do you have waterproof containers, or have you moved them to a safer location?
Do you have your business financials and insurance contact information with you and accessible?
How are you protecting important data? Are you backing it up regularly and keeping copies in a safe place, like the cloud?
Have you set up alternative ways to communicate if phone lines or internet services are down, like walkie-talkies or designated meeting points?
Now that you’ve asked these questions, it’s time to plan. Use the list below to make sure you have everything covered for your business and your employees, so you can minimize risks and limit interruptions in the event of a disaster.
Figure out what kind of disaster risks and dangers you’re facing and consider the likelihood and potential severity: natural disasters, cyber-attacks, & supply chain disruptions
Implement a customer communication plan for disruptions.
Let staff know what is expected following the disaster and set up a communication plan to check staff’s safety and return to work notifications
Plan out your evacuation route.
If you can’t leave, make sure you’ve got a safe spot. Stock up on essentials, figure out how to get help if you need it, and know what to do when the storm hits.
Protect your gear, goods, and important papers Think about how to stop things from getting damaged and how to keep your business running
Make a plan to keep your crew safe before, during, and after disaster That includes how they’ll leave if they have to, how they’ll keep in touch, and what help they’ll need to bounce back.
Identify critical business operations. Plan for how you’ll keep things running, like back up power, saving your data, finding a new place to work, and keeping your supplies coming
Make sure your insurance covers what it should - physical damage, business interruption and other potential losses Keep your policy papers handy and make sure they’re up to date
Get your team up to speed on what they should do when disaster comes. Do practice runs so everyone knows their role in keeping safe and sound
Think about how you can lend a hand to your community during hurricane season Maybe you can share resources, offer support, or join in on local emergency plans
We know how to prepare our homes and families for disasters, preparing your business is just as important. Below are links to various resources that will help you prepare your business for impact and increase your business’s resiliency for a stronger response and recovery.
Operation Blue Roof – A program of the US Army Corps of Engineers Property owners who suffered damage to their roofs may be eligible for Operation Blue Roof, a federal program that provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. www.BlueRoof.us or 202-7610031.
FloridaDisaster.biz - The Florida Department of Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) will activate the Business Damage Assessment Survey Survey responses will allow the state to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. It is important to share your information on damage/loss when this survey opens.
Florida Small Business Bridge Loan Program - When activated by the Governor, the Florida Small Business Bridge Loan Program, administered by the Florida Department of Commerce in collaboration with Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) and the Florida SBDC Network, provides short-term, interest-free working capital loans intended to help impacted businesses “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance claims or federal assistance. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms. Visit https://floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Physical Disaster Loans - Businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area that incurred damage during a disaster may apply for a low-interest loan to help replace or restore damaged property if federal assistance is activated. Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. SBA makes physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to qualified businesses and most private nonprofit organizations Visit www SBA gov or https://www sba gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans#businessphysical-disaster for full details. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) - If federal assistance is activated and you are in a declared disaster area, have suffered substantial economic injury regardless of physical damage, and you are a small business, small agricultural cooperative, or private nonprofit organizations, you may qualify for an EIDL EIDLs provide working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. SBA can provide up to a maximum of $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. A business may qualify for both an EIDL and a physical disaster loan, not to exceed the maximum of $2 million. Visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disasterassistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans for full details. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba gov
DisasterAssistance.gov - Florida survivors can apply for federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Survivors using a relay service such as a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give the FEMA operator the number for that service. To reduce your wait time on the phone, try calling early in the morning or later at night.
FloodSmart.gov - FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policyholders can start a claim when evacuated They should ask their agent about advance payments to receive up to $20,000. If you need help reaching your flood insurance agent or carrier, call the Disaster Assistance Number 800-621-3362. Visit www.Floodsmart.gov to start a flood insurance claim.
Small Business Development Center - Online compilation of business resources and links www SBDCtampabay com/business-continuity-disaster-preparedness
Disaster Distress Helpline - Mental health resources are available. Survivors experiencing emotional distress can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline. The national hotline provides free 24/7 crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human- caused disaster. Call 1-800985-5990
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) – To verify a contractor’s license or to file a complaint against a contractor call 850-487-1395 or visit www.myfloridalicense.com
Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center - In the event of a disaster, Sarasota County businesses should report issues and seek assistance through several key resources The Sarasota County Emergency Services Department, accessible at https://www scgov net/government/departments/emergency-services This page provides critical updates, preparedness guidance, and coordination of local response efforts. Dialing 311 or 941-861-5000 connects you directly to the Sarasota County Contact Center, where you can report problems, request information, and access available resources and services to support business continuity and recovery. These services and information could range from the potential provision of internet, local power, to access to the barrier islands, etc
Sheriff & Police Departments (Non-Emergency)
Sarasota County Sheriff: 941-861-5800
Venice Police Department: 941-486-2444
North Port Police Department: 941-429-7300
Sarasota Police Department: 941-263-6773
Longboat Key Town Police Department: 941-316-1977
Garbage Collection
Sarasota County: 311
Solid Waste North County Service Area - Waste Pro: 941-340-0700
Solid Waste South County Service Area - FCC Environmental Services of Florida: 941-557-5040
City of Venice: 941-486-2422
City of North Port: 941-240-8050
City of Sarasota: 941-365-7651
Town of Longboat Key: 941-316-1988
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County – The EDC is the contracted economic development agent to Sarasota County and the municipalities in it. They are a trusted partner in support of Sarasota County Government and the Interlocal Municipal partners in times of natural emergencies and other disruptions requiring business recovery When a disaster hits our area, the EDC’s goal is to support economic sustainability in our community, and particularly in our largest employment centers and their target industries The EDC’s priority is economic risk mitigation. The EDC will serve in a capacity to connect businesses and partner organizations to federal, state, county and other business recovery resources.
email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898 211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 211 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services.
Breeze Transit – Before and after an emergency, Breeze can offer transportation to evacuation centers. For the full schedule visit scgov net or call 311
Wildlife Rescue
-Venice Wildlife Center: 941-484-9657
-Safe Our Seabirds: 941-388-3010
-Florida Fish and Wildlife: 1-888-404-3911
-Alligator Nuisance: 866-392-4286
-Oil, Fuel, or Hazardous Material Spills: 800-320-0519
-Reporting Webpage: https://myfwc.com/contact/incident-reporting/
UF/IFAS Extension - Hurricane Preparedness for Horses and Livestock, Animal Identification
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clayco/2017/10/17/hurricane-preparedness-horses-livestock-animal-identification/
Visit Sarasota County – VSC is a public-private partnership tasked by Sarasota County Government to ensure Sarasota County is a must-experience destination for leisure visitors and group business, including sports events and team trainings. During a crisis – such as adverse weather conditions, flooding, or hurricanes – VSC serves the Emergency Operations Center by maintaining accommodation inventory and assisting in tourism business recovery. VSC also focuses on providing up-to-date information to our visitors, groups, residents, and industry businesses, collaborating with community stakeholders to promote Sarasota County’s vitality on the world stage
Other Emergency Links
Weather & Beach Conditions: https://www.visitsarasota.com/news-release/weather-resources-beachconditions-and-travel-alerts
Recovery Efforts: https://wwwvisitsarasota com/recovery-efforts-sarasota-county
Support the 941: https://www supportthe941 com/
A checklist is essential when faced with a disaster. As you develop a plan for your business, communication with stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and employees is key in preparedness and plans for recovery.
(check when done)
Secure Your Business (if time permits)
Have a Copy of Your Insurance Coverage
Distribute Your Communication Plan for Staff
Communicate Your Back Up Operation Plan
Coordinate with Contractors and Vendors to use in an Emergency
Secure Alternative Business Locations for Recovery Period
Annually Update Local Emergency Management and First Responder Contact List
Scan the QR code for more emergency service and preparedness resources 597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285 (941) 488-2236
