No matter where your business is located, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare for hurricane season. Depending on the size and scope of your operations, you may need to consider a range of potential risks. Here is a checklist that will help you protect your business by outlining some of the essential steps and supplies needed in order to be ready in case of an emergency.

Ensure you have a plan: Your business should have an up-to-date emergency preparedness and response plan that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and procedures for responding to different types of natural disasters. Make sure all employees are familiar with the plan and know what to do in case of an emergency. Your plan should also include the following:

• 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

Secure your property: Make sure all windows, doors, and any other openings are properly secured to prevent water or wind damage. If you’re located in a flood zone, consider elevating equipment and materials off the ground. Additional Things to consider:

• 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

 Stock up on supplies: Have enough storm-ready supplies to last at least 72 hours. This includes non-perishable food, water, battery-powered or hand-crank flashlights and radios, first aid kits, extra cash, and medications. Here are some additional items you may want to include:

• Cooler
• Bedding
• Tools and gloves
• Extra batteries
• Flares
• Tarps
• Plastic bags
• Duct tape
• Cleaning supplies
• Generator
• Gas
• Personal documents

Back up your data: Ensure all critical business data is securely backed up offsite in order to protect it from potential damage.

• Back up all essential files
• Use cloud storage
• Seal paper documents

Protect your equipment: Move computers, keyboards, and other equipment to higher ground or a reinforced space. If the power goes out, make sure all electrical appliances are turned off to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock.

While we all hope for the best during hurricane season, it is important that you are as well prepared for the worst as possible. Protecting your people and business assets is a must to stand any chance of a speedy recovery after a storm.

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.