In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the impending United States landfall of Hurricane Irma, Quikstone Capital Solutions encourages everyone to heed local warnings and remember your safety is the first priority.                          

We originally published this emergency preparedness blog on August 15, 2015.

Everyone wants to believe that emergencies will never happen to them and their businesses, but the fact is, emergencies like floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters can put their businesses at risk whether they want to believe it or not. Being prepared for emergencies may seem like a lot of work, but it could be difference between being forced to shut the business down for an extended period of time or possibly even for good. 

Insurance

The first step to being prepared for an emergency is to make sure your business is protected. Getting ample coverage to replace equipment and inventory, repair damage to the building, and cover any possible liability for injury to others will ensure that you don't lose everything because of an emergency. Although there is a cost associated with replacement and liability insurance, it protects your business against circumstances that could make it impossible for it to continue operating. 

Government Regulations

Regulations vary by state or local vicinities, but your local chamber of commerce can assist you in figuring out what you need to do to be in compliance. Some common requirements may include keeping bottled water and food on the premises, posting an evacuation plan, and having emergency contact phone numbers on file for all employees. In certain emergency-prone areas like flood or earthquake zones, there may be additional requirements. Compliance with government regulations is important. Non-compliance with regulations may also affect your ability to get or keep insurance coverage.

Disaster Kit

Besides food and water supplies that may be required by, having a disaster kit that includes a light source, a way to cook food, and tools for chopping or cutting are a good idea to keep handy. Other items that should include first aid supplies, a warming blanket, and a battery-operated radio for updates. 

Quikstone Capital Solutions has been providing small business owners with merchant cash advances to stabilize and improve their companies for more than 10 years. If you are in need of a cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, fast funding with a merchant cash advance could be right for you. With the ability to quickly qualify and get your money in a timely fashion, there is no more convenient business loan alternative.