Can Your Small Business Survive a Natural Disaster?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that about 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen after a disaster strikes. Be prepared with a comprehensive small business disaster recovery plan from the experts at ServiceMaster by Reed. We understand the stress that disasters bring to small businesses.

Small Business Disaster Safety

• Research natural disasters that may impact your area. If floods, fires, tropical storms or other disasters are common, exploring additional insurance coverage is recommended.
• Review existing insurance policies. Check if loss amounts are high enough to reestablish business after a disaster hits. Establishing proper coverage helps rebuild as quickly as possible.
• Update insurance plans. If additional coverage is required, add it right away. Always double-check insurance plans to prepare for the worst. 

• Gather employees' emergency contact information.
• Designate a safe space where employees can evacuate and the routes  taken to get there.
• Create contact guidelines for staff members.
• Create contact guidelines for customers and establish methods they can reach you if necessary.
• Determine how you will access vital business records and information, including whether or not there will be an off-site location where employees will work until the business reopens.
• Determine how to protect company data, including how to regularly back up files to a cloud-based platform and a reliable hard drive.
• Take note of the company's insurance provider, financial institutions, and reputable disaster restoration company.
• Create an emergency preparedness kit for the office.
• Distribute copies of the plan and ensure employees are aware of evacuation routes and escape procedures before a disaster strikes.
• Practice action plans with staff members and local emergency response teams.