Preparing Your Small Business FOR THE UNEXPECTED

As a business owner in South Florida, preparing for a hurricane is crucial to safeguard your employees, customers, and assets. With the frequency of hurricanes in the region, it's essential to have a comprehensive hurricane plan in place.

Here are some steps that business owners can take to prepare for a hurricane:

1. SECURE YOUR BUILDING: Before a hurricane strikes, make sure that your building is secure. Cover windows and doors with shutters or plywood, and clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding. If necessary, consider reinforcing your building's roof and walls.

2. DEVELOP A HURRICANE PLAN: Develop a plan that outlines how your business will operate before, during, and after a hurricane. Identify critical business functions and the resources needed to continue operations. Assign tasks and responsibilities to employees, and ensure that everyone understands the plan.

3. COMMUNICATE WITH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS: Keep employees and customers informed about your hurricane plan. Share information about the storm's progress, business closures, and reopening plans. Make sure that employees know whom to contact and how to stay in touch during and after the storm.

4. BACKUP CRITICAL DATA: Ensure that all critical data, including financial records, customer data, and business contracts, are backed up and stored in a secure off-site location.

5. HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT: Keep an emergency kit on hand with essential supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and batteries.

6. REVIEW INSURANCE COVERAGE: Review your insurance coverage to ensure that your business is adequately covered for hurricane-related damages.

If a hurricane hits, follow your hurricane plan, and prioritize the safety of your employees and customers. After the storm, assess the damage to your building and assets, and document all losses. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.

Several resources are available to help businesses prepare for hurricanes. The Small Business Administration offers guidance on disaster preparedness and recovery, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a Business Emergency Operations Center to support businesses during emergencies.

By taking the necessary steps to secure your building, develop a hurricane plan, communicate with employees and customers, backup critical data, have an emergency kit, and review your insurance coverage, you can help protect your business from the devastation of hurricanes.