This time of year, many business owners are thinking about end-of-year reporting and marketing strategies for the winter holidays. It is also a crucial time to make sure you have a plan in place if severe winter weather strikes.
Snow, ice, and wind from extreme storms can lead to property damage, employee illness or injury, and possible business closures. An estimated 25 percent of businesses don’t open again after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Avoid this fate by making sure you have the right protections in place.
Before Winter Weather Strikes
Start by identifying potential weather-related threats that are common in your region. For example, is your area prone to heavy snowfall? Will high winds hit your town? How about damage from ice?
Prepare your business for winter storms by:
- Checking your insurance coverage for protection against winter hazards. Make sure you are sufficiently covered in case your business sustains damage during a winter weather emergency.
- Sign up for real-time weather alerts. The FEMA App provides National Weather Service alerts, emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, and locations for open emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers in your area.
- Establishing an emergency communication plan. Share employee, client, and vendor contact information before a storm strikes and identify critical staff.
- Developing a post-storm snow-removal plan. Reduce risk for employees and customers by properly treating and removing snow and ice.
Check out this comprehensive list of strategies for navigating winter weather emergencies at your small business.
Steps After a Weather Disaster Strikes
If the worst happens and your business sustains damage from a winter weather disaster, there are resources to help you get your business back up-and-running:
- FEMA provides emergency financial assistance for individuals for housing, food, clothing, and medicine.
- The SBA also provides low-interest loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property after a disaster has been declared by the President or SBA Administrator.
- For more information, check out this list of disaster assistance loans and disaster aid options.
The SBA is here for you every step of the way before and after winter weather disasters. For further guidance on preparing for a weather emergency, we encourage you to visit Ready.gov.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes – prepare today.