When hurricane season rolls around, the impact on small businesses can be devastating. With strong winds, flooding, and widespread power outages, even a single hurricane can set an unprepared business back weeks or months. However, by taking proactive steps to prepare, you can safeguard your assets, team, and operations even when the storms hit.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Is Crucial For Your Business  

Beyond the physical damages, hurricanes often lead to long-term financial losses. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report revealed that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a major natural disaster. Those that do may take years to fully recover.  

Key Steps To Preparing Your Small Business

Building a hurricane preparedness plan isn’t just a precaution; it’s a way to protect your employees, customers, and long-term success.

1. Develop A Hurricane Preparedness Plan  

A clear plan ensures your team knows exactly what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Here’s what should be included:

• Evacuation Plan: If your area is under a mandatory evacuation order, have procedures in place to close operations and ensure the safety of staff.

• Emergency Contacts: Maintain an up-to-date list of employee, vendor, and local emergency agency contacts.

• Inventory Checklist: Know what assets (e.g., equipment, inventory) need to be secured or relocated.

• Temporary Closure Plan: Consider how operations will be put on hold temporarily and what it will take to resume business post-storm.

2. Secure Your Physical Assets  

Preparing your physical location can prevent costly damages. Simple but effective measures include:

• Install Storm Shutters: Protect all of your windows and doors from strong winds and flying objects.

• Elevate Inventory and Equipment: Move valuable assets off the ground to reduce damage from potential flooding.

• Inspect the Roof: Make sure your roof is in good condition and does not have any loose shingles or leaks.

• Backup Generators: Invest in a generator to keep essential systems running during power outages.

• Insurance Review: Confirm that your business insurance covers storm damage, including flooding. If not, consider purchasing additional flood coverage.

4. Protect Digital Assets  

Your data is as valuable as your physical assets. Losing access to your critical data can disrupt your business for weeks or even months. Safeguard your digital information with these practices:

• Backup Regularly: Save important files to the cloud or an off-site server. This includes customer records, financial documents, and inventory lists.

• Cybersecurity Measures: During disasters, hacking attempts often spike. Ensure firewalls and antivirus software are updated.

• Remote Accessibility: Equip your team with the ability to work remotely if your office becomes inaccessible.

5. Communicate With Your Team  

Your team is crucial to hurricane preparedness, so be proactive in communicating plans and expectations. Key actions include:

• Train Employees: Provide annual training on emergency procedures, including safety protocols and evacuation steps.

• Emergency Notifications: Set up a system (text, email, or apps) for real-time updates to employees during and after the hurricane.

• Check on Your Team: After the storm passes, make sure your employees are safe and have the resources needed for recovery.

6. Maintain Business Continuity  

Downtime during or after a hurricane can cost thousands of dollars in lost revenue. A business continuity plan helps minimize disruption. Consider these strategies:

• Diversify Suppliers: Rely on vendors in multiple locations to avoid supply chain bottlenecks.

• Remote Operations: If your physical location is impacted, ensure your team can work remotely or from temporary office locations.

• Set Aside Emergency Funds: Building a financial cushion makes sure you can cover unexpected costs, such as repair expenses or lost income.

Support Your Community Post-Hurricane  

After a hurricane, the way your business supports its employees and surrounding community can strengthen your reputation. Small businesses are often central to revitalizing local economies after disasters. Some ways to contribute include:

• Re-opening quickly to restore a sense of normalcy.

• Offering discounts or donation-based services to affected customers.

• Partnering with local organizations to provide relief or resources.

Since 2005, Quikstone Capital Solutions has been a trusted advisor to thousands of merchants. Quikstone provides these merchants with easy, fast, and flexible working capital for all their business needs. If you need cash for your business, contact us today. We have only one goal: to help your business succeed.