Five easy ways to protect your small business before disaster strikes

by Carol Chastang, community moderator

Created: July 24, 2013, 16:30updated: July 24, 2013, 16:30

East Coast company put to rebuild their struggle after Hurricane Sandy.  Measured 29 October 2012-storm as one commemorates the economic damage of the biggest natural disasters in the history of the United States.

Many residents and businesses, especially in the worst hit coastal areas from New Jersey and New York, have been through the storm at the end of the season caught.  In addition to the property destruction makes created major headaches and large financial losses for many small business owners atrocities by strong winds and flooding.

Weather experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are an "active" 2013 Atlantic hurricane season.  The six-month season, which started June 1, peaks between August and October. Now is a good time, to a disaster preparedness plan protect your company and your employees use.

The SBA and agility recovery recently a free webinar give preparation tips for the hurricane season.  But it doesn't matter, if you are in the Gulf Coast or in the upper Midwest - all kinds of risks, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable.

Go to this link to download of the slides from the recent "protect your company this hurricane season" Webinar.  You can view also the recorded Webinar at any time. You will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher.

Meanwhile, there are a few things that you can do without cost, to promote your business continuity plan:

Determine your greatest risk potential.  It could have been wind damage or hinterland, the floods, which usually follows the tropical storm heavy rainfall.  In the meantime, financial losses could suffer through roads and bridges your company closures in the wake of a hurricane.  Power outages are a major threat, especially for companies in the food and hospitality. What would happen if you had to use your company for several days?  See the building where you do business - inside and outside - and risk assessment. If you do enough early, you have time to do structural upgrades - like impact-resistant doors and Windows - that can prevent that possible future storm damage.Calculate the cost of downtime for one week, one month and six months.  Once you have done that, be able to examine insurance options or build a cash reserve that allows your company during the period of the restoration function. It is also a good idea, with alternative providers to develop professional relationships, in the event that your primary contractor service not possible.  Provide occasional jobs with them so that they regard you as an active customer. Check your insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out whether your policy is sufficient for your needs. Consult an insurance expert, advise on the right coverage for your situation. With the purchase of insurance questions you "how much I can afford to lose?"  It is a good idea to know the value of your property.  You should also consider flood insurance.  According to the U.S. Geological Survey flood losses are the leading cause of the disaster. The most property insurance policies do not cover basement flooding. Create a communication plan crisis , so you will able be to make sure that your employees, clients, suppliers, and business owners know what's going on here.  Set an email alert system.  You verify to the primary and secondary E-mail addresses for your employees have, and trades from any of you with.  Create a Facebook page and Twitter use around the community,'re still in business and in the process of recovery after the disaster.Test, a telework policy.  Prepare the way, can the employee not to work through development of an emergency tele-working to come. Read "how to make telecommuting work for small businesses" for more information.

Every month SBA and agility recovery hosts a free webinar offers business continuity strategies. August 13th Webinar disaster is focused on useful tips for building your own preparedness plan.   Space is limited so sign up now.

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Tags: official SBA news and views, open to trade, emergency planning, Management, SBA news and views

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