Is Your Business Resilient?

10/3/2024 (Permalink)

It's important to make a plan with your team for your business in case of disasters.

Small businesses that have been struck by disaster will not reopen, according to FEMA - the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As we post this blog, multiple states along Southeast U.S. including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas are picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild from the massive destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in late September (2024) before moving on to surround states. Nearly 200 died and neighborhoods and businesses large & small were submerged as of first week of October.

Many people don’t consider the serious impact a disaster, such as a storm, fire, or flood, can have on a small business. It not only can destroy the building and surrounding property of the business, but can also destroy essential information, contacts, etc..., which can put a quick end to the business’ existence.

By taking action before a disaster strikes, you can take steps to increase your employees’ safety, your business’ resiliency, and your clients’ trust.

These steps below may be helpful to keep your business safe:

• Keep your company records, documents, and contacts stored in paperless form (on Google Drive or iCloud, for example)
• Pre-establish policies for employees, vendors and customers in order to maintain trust and stability, and also to retain relationships and positions
• Do a threat analysis. Assess any possible risks your business may be susceptible to, from a hurricane to a cyber attack
• Develop a continuity plan. FEMA recommends creating your plan using these four steps:

1. Conduct a business impact analysis
2. Identify, document and implement recovery strategies
3. Compile a business continuity plan with others in your business
4. Conduct training, testing, drills and exercises to teach, practice and evaluate the plan

Additionally, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney and of Silver Spring North can help establish a response plan should your business experience a storm or fire that may cause water and smoke damage to your business property.

Our SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees and customers peace of mind. Our ERP allows for quick restoration response to help minimize disruption of your business. Call us today, 301-340-1313.