Natural disasters can happen anytime and can damage or destroy your business within minutes. This Hurricane Season, the chances of a catastrophic storm event happening is high, which emphasizes the need for businesses to implement an effective disaster recovery plan before a calamity happens, which can enable them to open their doors as quickly as possible.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that up to 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors after a natural disaster strikes. The experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy discusses these tips to get your business back on its feet as soon as you can after a natural disaster.
Make a Detailed Plan for Natural Disasters
A comprehensive preparedness plan is crucial to surviving a natural disaster. Include the following in the list:
- Disasters that are likely to occur in the area where the business is located
- Evacuation routes and locations
- Contact information of all employees
- Communication plan during and after a disaster
- Protection and/or access of important business documents and information
- Off-site location where employees can work until doors reopen
- Contact information of insurance provider, financial institution and disaster restoration companies
Business owners who need help creating a preparedness plan can check the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster planning guides.
Keep Communication Lines Open
- Keep employees and customers updated about the estimated date of reopening.
- If there has to be a temporary relocation, let the public know.
- Business disaster recovery might be largely dependent on how quickly employees can return to work, so reach out as necessary to create scheduling changes for everyone to get back to normal at the earliest possible time.
Seek Outside Help
- Financial assistance is provided by FEMA to businesses in federally declared disaster areas, but receiving this aid could take some time especially when a lot of claims are being filed.
- Prepare a backup plan, such as securing a flood insurance policy that covers natural disasters.
- Business owners could also turn to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Disaster Assistance for help, where they can apply for low-interest, long-term loans to make repairs and replacements.
Set Business Up for a Quick Recovery
- A single disaster can cause major business interruptions. The earlier businesses recognize the importance of having a disaster preparedness plan, the greater is the chance of survival.
- List down steps for reconstruction and rebuilding before an actual disaster happens to increase the chance of recovery.
If vital preparations have been created and the business still suffers from serious damage, count on the experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy. For over 25 years, we have been helping businesses get back up after a water, fire or mold damage event. We have the tools and techniques for quick and efficient disaster mitigation to bring your business facility back to pre-loss condition as soon as possible.
Create an Appointment With Our Experts
Damages from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, require professional help. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Contact us at (678) 293-0297 for customers near Conyers, GA, and (770) 983-6665 for customers near Roswell, GA. You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
- We service residential and commercial properties in Atlanta, Roswell , Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, Fulton County, Georgia and surrounding areas.
- We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.
- Check our offices in these areas:
Conyers, GA: 700 Blacklawn Road Southwest Conyers, GA 30012
Covington, GA: 4905 Highway 20, Covington, GA 30016
Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact us today!