Small business owners in the Rio Grande Valley have one factor in common this summer: preparing for hurricane season in the City of Alamo. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to businesses situated in coastal areas, and while they do not always occur, hurricanes impact:
- Daily operations
- Prolonged power outages
- Building and inventory damage
- Unforeseen expenses or repairs
Whether it is high winds, heavy rain, flooding, or all three, small businesses can take the following steps to safeguard their assets and ensure continuity of operations during and after a hurricane.
Create an Emergency Plan
Every business should have an emergency plan that outlines procedures for protecting employees, securing assets, and resuming operations after a disaster. This plan should be distributed to all employees, reviewed annually, and updated as necessary.
The emergency plan may include the following:
- Record emergency contact information for employees, suppliers, and emergency services.
- A plan for resuming operations, such as having backup generators, alternative work sites, and plans for communicating with customers and suppliers.
- Procedures for securing and protecting assets, such as boarding windows and moving equipment to higher ground.
- Ensure that all critical information, including customer data, financial records, and inventory lists, is backed up and stored in a secure off-site location. Consider using cloud-based storage or a secure data center.
Review Insurance Coverage
Ensure your business has adequate insurance coverage, including property, liability, and business interruption insurance. Review your policies annually to ensure they cover hurricane-related losses. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you are located in a flood-prone area.
Ask About our Micro Loan
In an emergency, you can request emergency funds through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Still, you can also request a Micro Loan. As one of our incentive programs, they were made to promote sustainable economic development strategies that attract investments from other public and private sources, ultimately leading to a more robust local economy.
Secure Your Property
Inspect your building and property for any potential hazard, such as loose roof tiles or branches that could damage windows or walls. You can:
- Anchor heavy outdoor items securely to the ground.
- Install hurricane shutters or plywood panels over windows and doors.
- Move outdoor equipment, furniture, and inventory to a secure location.
Communicate with Customers and Suppliers
Keep your customers and suppliers informed of your plans and status during and after a hurricane. Plan to communicate with them via phone, email, or social media. If your business is closed or operating on a limited basis, let your customers know when you will be open again.
Train Employees
Ensure all employees are trained on the emergency plan and their roles and responsibilities during a hurricane. Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Plan for Recovery
After a hurricane, it may take some time to get your business back up and running. Plan for recovery by having a contingency fund, alternative suppliers, and a plan for temporary operations if your building is damaged or inaccessible.
Key Takeaways:
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Small businesses should create an emergency plan.
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When the unexpected happens, Alamo EDC wants to help you stay prepared Micro Loan availability.
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These steps can help small businesses prepare for hurricane season and minimize the impact of a disaster on their operations.
Stay Safe During Hurricane Season in the City of Alamo
By taking these steps, small businesses can better prepare for hurricane season and minimize the impact of a disaster on their operations. Contact the Alamo EDC for assistance in these business-related matters.