DISASTER RECOVERY TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Emergencies caused by water, fire, or mold that interrupt normal business processes have an enormous impact on start-up and cash-only businesses. For small businesses especially, the livelihood for both the owner and employees could be in jeopardy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that 40% of small businesses fail to re-open after a natural disaster. With preparation, you can greatly increase the chance of your business recovering. Use the following steps as a guide to develop a post-disaster plan to keep your business running after an emergency.

• Develop a communication strategy: Allow a trusted individual to communicate with disaster relief services, suppliers, and financial institutions
• Keep your data safe: Have a back-up of your business' files in multiple locations. Consider storing data remotely, allowing access from multiple devices.
• Seek a restoration expert: Restoration companies such as ours will come to your aid to listen to your concerns, minimize loss, and fix damages.
• File an insurance claim: Examine your policy and make sure there are no gaps. Also ask the questions, "Are additional damages covered? What are my deductibles?"
• Disaster loan assistance: There are various government agencies and organizations that can help your business recover. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website to learn about their Disaster Loan Program to help fix property and restock supplies.

Preparation is vital to recovering from any disaster. With the right plan to protect against emergencies caused by natural disasters or other factors, your chance of re-opening will increase significantly. SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach / Signal Hill is ready to help restore your business and ensure that your doors are open for business as soon as possible.