Nobody ever thinks that a storm will affect them in a major way. Last hurricane season was proof that anybody can be affected even if a storm hasn’t hit their area in a while, if ever. Being prepared for emergencies may seem like a lot of work and very costly, but it could make a huge difference in how your business fares during and after the storm. Here are some tips to help make sure your business is ready for this year’s storm season:

Have a plan

Develop and plan. Review it and update it annually. Within this plan you should include procedures and policies to outline business continuity, employee safety, and a fall back plan in case your business suffers serious damage.

• Decide what will set the plan into motion
• Designate a chain of command
• Obtain an alternate location for business continuity if necessary
• Provide employees with evacuation routes
• Have emergency contact information for each employee so you can reach them after the storm
• Back up all important data regularly
• Inventory assets regularly
• Ensure you have proper insurance to protect your business in case of serious damage

Protect your business

To lessen damage to your place of business, there are some important things you can do to reduce damage and enable you to quickly reopen after a storm.

• Invest in shutters or plywood to protect windows from projectiles and debris
• Regularly trim trees and hedges to remove anything that could cause structural damage.
• Have your building inspected to make sure it can withstand a storm
• Be prepared to move valuable equipment to higher ground in case of flooding

Prepare an emergency hurricane kit:

There are some essential items you should keep at your business in the event that anyone gets stranded or your business becomes a shelter for those who had to evacuate. Gather these items and make sure the location of the items is known.

• Water
• AM/FM radio
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• First Aid kit
• Non-Perishable food
• Cleaning supplies
• Tool kit

In addition to setting up this kit, develop a list of items to have when and if you seek shelter in your place of business. These may include:

• Cash
• Coolers/Ice
• Gas
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Air mattresses

Backup Generator

Having a commercial backup generator can be useful not only during the storm, but afterwards too. It is vital to your business to be back up and operational as soon as possible once a storm passes. In some cases, you may be without power for several weeks, unable to operate unless you have a generator to keep you going. During the after storm outages, many patrons will be looking for business that have power and are able to provide their services. Whether you own a small store, restaurant, mechanic shop, or a liquor store, you will have customers that are in need of your services.

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 hurricane preparedness 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.