How a Small Business Can Recover from a Hurricane

5/31/2020 (Permalink)

You'll get your small business up and running more quickly if you make a plan and gather information before a hurricane hits.

As we enter hurricane season, small business owners know that a damaging storm may cause facility and property damage that forces them to halt operations. It’s impossible to stop a hurricane, but you can prepare for the worst. In a commercial disaster situation, it can really pay off to have done your planning ahead of time:

• What resources can you turn to?
• What steps will you take to return your business to operation?

You’ll be grateful, when your facility may be flooded and damaged by wind, if you have already made a plan and gathered information on key resources that can help you get back on your feet and get back to business!

Before the Storm

Before a storm is even in the forecast, there are several things you should do to position yourself to recover faster.

• Do an inventory of your commercial facility and property, ideally including photos. This should be stored offsite or digitally in the cloud. Having this documentation will give your insurer the information they need to process your claim faster.
• Identify local contractors, like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield, who are reliable experts in restoring commercial property after storm and other damage. SERVPRO® will even do an evaluation of your business at any time, so that you can be as prepared as possible for a natural disaster.
• Gather (and store remotely) contact information for FEMA, SBA, your insurance agent, local fire and police, your local government, chamber of commerce, preferred contractors, employees and key customers.

After the Storm

Contact Your Insurer

Contact your insurance agent immediately after the storm blows over, to file a claim for your business, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). The sooner you start the process, the sooner your claim is likely to be paid.

Line Up Financial Aid

You can apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal aid to start rebuilding. Submit a request by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Also consider applying for unemployment if you and your employees are out of work because of the hurricane.

An affordable disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help cover expenses due to uninsured or underinsured hurricane-damaged property. Apply for a loan by mail, online or by visiting a local SBA disaster recovery center.

Get Local Business Counseling

Post-hurricane, you’ll have to make some important decisions on the fly. The SBA and your local government office and chamber of commerce can provide information and guidance.

Find Reputable Contractors

After a hurricane strikes, area contractors are often in high demand. If you haven’t lined up contractors pre-storm, talk to several contractors and get written estimates to compare.

Look out for scams during this time. Requesting money upfront or wanting to sign a contract immediately are red flags. Consider contacting the Better Business Bureau to help confirm the contractor is reputable.

Keep Employees and Customers Informed

Check in with your employees to make sure they’re okay. As you determine a realistic timeframe for reopening, you’ll need to communicate that directly to your employees.

Keep in touch with your customers via email or social media so that they know when you’re ready to resume operations, too.

If your business is hit by a natural disaster, like a flood, wind storm or wildfire, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

Help Is Here

In addition to offering commercial cleaning services, the team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

We’re Here for You

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860)461-7194
24-hour emergency service

If your business is hit by a natural disaster, like a flood, wind storm or wildfire, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194