National Small Business Week is April 30 – May 6

Protect your Business from Disasters
“Forty percent of all small businesses destroyed during a disaster never reopen their doors,” said Dale Lane, Director Shelby County Office of Preparedness. “Decide your business will reopen! Develop a continuity plan to protect your employees and assets during “National Small Business Week, April 30 – May 6.”
Small Business Preparedness Tips:

• Know the Hazards: Plan for weather events, flooding, fires, earthquakes, hazardous materials, technology-related emergencies, power outages, terrorism, and epidemics.
• Shelter-in-Place: Designate a “safe place” for employees and customers internally.
• Evacutate: Know how to evacuate employees and customers. Post evacuation routes.
• Disaster Kit: Have a “go kit” for employees with bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, NOAA radio, Mylar blanket, whistle, and personal protective equipment.
• Alternative Business Location: Have an alternative off-site location ready.
• Employee / Customer Information: Document employee and customer contact information. Ensure all leaders have a copy of this information.
• Suppliers / Business Contacts: Create a list of suppliers and business contacts. Have alternative suppliers in place.
• Equipment: Create an equipment inventory with maintenance schedules and a list of service contracts. Store extra equipment at your alterative location.
• Utilities: Locate utility shut-offs. Teach employees how to operate utilities in an emergency.
• Power Outages: Prepare for power outages with a back-up generator.
• CyperSecurity: Develop computer back-up schedules. Keep a paper copy of records.
• Insurance: Review insurance coverage. Purchase supplemental flood insurance.
• Emergency Notifications: Create an emergency notification system for employees.
• Document your emergency plans. Share them with employees. Update and Practice the plans twice a year.

Resources for enhacing prepdardness for your business : 

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property
Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov
FloodSmart: www.floodsmart.com