This has been a challenging time for small business owners, to say the least.  However, it is important to remain focused on your business. For those of us in Florida and the surrounding states, it’s time to get ready for hurricane season. Here is a detailed checklist to ensure you’re prepared.

Have A Plan

Develop and plan. Review it and update it annually. 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

Have the tools, materials and a plan to protect your business from damage.

• 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 critical 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

Essential Personal Items

Develop a list of items to have in case you need to shelter inside 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. Whether you own a small store, restaurant, mechanic shop, or a liquor store, you will have customers that need your services after the storm.

It’s always best to be prepared. Stay safe everyone.