Storm and Disaster Recovery for Small Businesses

Natural disasters can devastate small businesses. According to FEMA, 40–60% of small businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen. Proactive preparation is essential to survival and quick recovery. Here’s how you can prepare:

Identify Risks and Outcomes
Understand what types of disasters (storms, floods, wildfires, etc.) are most likely in your area. Assess the potential impact on your operations, property, supply chain, and staff. This helps prioritize resources and planning.

Develop a Communication and Response Plan
Create a detailed disaster recovery plan. Outline how employees will be contacted, how data will be protected, and how customers will be informed of closures or changes. Assign roles to key personnel. Keep both hard and digital copies accessible.

React and Recover
Once disaster strikes, focus on employee safety first. Then begin implementing your recovery steps—restoring data, securing property, and communicating with vendors and customers. A strong plan can help you reopen quickly.

Ongoing Preparedness Tips:

• Conduct semi-annual drills to evaluate your readiness.

• Train all new employees on emergency procedures.

• Review and update your recovery plan annually to adapt to new risks or technologies.

Preparation doesn’t prevent disasters—but it does make survival and recovery far more likely.