Tips to help your business prepare for natural disasters

Businesses across the country are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing supply chain delays, labor shortages and inflation are just some of the challenges companies are trying to navigate. To exacerbate these problems, businesses in our coastal states are working to recover from a 100-year-old public health crisis, and from June 1st he will be on November 20th. You should also be prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season until 2020. 30.

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Climate Prediction, a division of the National Weather Service, forecast above-average hurricane activity this year, making for the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. It will be. NOAA forecasts a 65% chance of an above-average season, a 25% chance of a near-average season, and a 10% chance of a below-average season.

It is estimated that 40% of small businesses will not reopen after a disaster, and 75% will go bankrupt within three years after a natural disaster. The longer you shut down your business, the more likely you are to permanently lose customers to your competitors. Having an emergency management plan for these storms is essential.

No one wants to consider these misfortunes, but the possibilities are there. However, with the help of advance planning, businesses are well positioned to “survive” natural disasters.

The New Jersey Business Action Center, part of the New Jersey Department of State, recommends several strategies to help small businesses survive.

• Identify your most important records, files and materials and back them up. These may include income tax forms, QuickBooks files, customer contact lists, strategy documents, and passwords. Store these files in the cloud using the free Dropbox, DocHub, or Google Docs.
• Keep office assets safe: Raise your computer above flood level and away from large windows. Move heavy and fragile items to lower shelves. Secure equipment that may move or fall during severe storms. Hire a cybersecurity expert to ensure your system is secure and virus-free. Protect your most important documents, credit card numbers, email correspondences and more by hiring an expert to set up a secure system.
• Enable Recovery Plan: Have a clear plan in case you or your business partner become incapacitated. List the types of emergencies that may occur in your community and adjust your plans accordingly. Give your trusted employees access to passwords, keys, alarm codes, call forwarding and other important items in the event of a disaster. Consider any financial obligations that may arise during the suspension, such as payroll or debt repayments, and ensure that you have a system in place to pay your bills electronically. Establish a social media presence for your business (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and use social media tools to communicate with your customers about the status of your business.
• Keep your insurance up to date: Check insurance coverage with an agent or insurance center. Specifically, check your business interruption insurance status. You can file a business interruption claim detailing lost income in the event of a disaster. For insurance and tax purposes, please maintain a written and photo inventory of all essential materials and equipment, and if possible keep them in a safe deposit box.
• Consider installing an emergency generator. Power outages are common during disasters and can last several days. As a result, even businesses that are not severely affected may suffer losses due to disruption of normal operations and loss of perishable inventory. By installing an emergency generator in advance, it is possible to reduce these losses and expedite recovery.
• Identify the backup location. If your primary location is destroyed or severely damaged, your employees should meet to identify a backup location that your clients can visit. This will ensure that the client is in good health. Make sure your organization has the right equipment, such as a working Wi-Fi router. Telecommuting tools should be available when employees have to leave the company location unexpectedly.
• Keep disaster supplies on hand. Sometimes the simplest emergency plans are the most effective. Always have a spare battery ready in case the power goes out and you need to keep your critical electronics running. Important files should be backed up in a safe and secure place such as a safe or metal filing cabinet. Have a disaster kit on hand, including a battery-powered radio to access information from the National Weather Service, a battery-powered electronic charger, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight, extra batteries, waterproof plastic bags, etc. please give me.
• Inspect properties: It is important to check the building for damage to ensure the safety of all employees upon return. Restore electricity, gas, phone, and water, and make repairs as needed to stabilize offices and facilities to prevent further damage. To clean up after a storm, ensure that you are using safe and suitable cleaning products/services, that all appropriate safety equipment is If it’s too complicated for a large team, rent equipment or hire a contractor.
• Make sure you have access to print/digital resources. Find up-to-date, authoritative information from community public health authorities, emergency management, and/or other sources and make it accessible to staff and the general public. Make sure your organization has access to an inventory list that includes computer hardware and software.

Natural disasters are inevitable. However, as a business owner, you can take steps to minimize disruptions and reduce losses. That way, when the storm passes, we can get back to normal operations as quickly as possible. An effective disaster recovery plan can ensure the safety of your customers and employees in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For more emergency preparedness strategies and resources, check out our complete guide.

Melanie Willoughby is Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Business Action.