Are You Confident That Your Business Is Prepared for a Disaster? | SERVPRO® of The Lower Shore

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

If a disaster struck your business, would you know what to do? Unfortunately, this is a question that many business owners are unable to answer.

Planning ahead is vital for businesses, but for those that are unprepared for a disaster, all that planning can be useless if an emergency does occur. While disaster planning may seem like another thing to add to your already-full plate, it is important that you think through the recovery steps to be certain a disaster does not ruin your livelihood as it does for many.

Simply thinking through all the steps required to prepare for and recover from a disaster is a great way to consider where there might be gaps in your plan. Simple things, like a first-aid kit or extra insurance coverage, can come in handy both for your safety and for your income should a disaster impact your business.

Be Confident in Your Business’ Disaster Preparedness Plan

Plan for the moments before a disaster. First and foremost, disaster planning should involve prioritizing the safety of yourself and the staff at your business. By planning for the moments leading up to a disaster, you can be sure to reduce panic and keep everyone safer when things turn dangerous. Planning your evacuation routes from the building, keeping your emergency kit stocked and handy and making sure there is a clear communications plan in place can help protect everyone when a disaster strikes.

Plan for the immediate aftermath. Once you discover that damage has been done to your business, it is important to act quickly to prevent further issues from arising. You will want to know how to contact your insurance company as well as your commercial restoration provider no matter the hour, so you can start filing a claim and have a restoration team dispatched to you immediately to begin working on restoring your business.

Plan for the long-term aftermath. Once the insurance claim and restoration processes are set in motion, you can begin the work of rebuilding your business operations. Determine if you will close completely for the time being, and if so, what your timeline for reopening will be. Also make sure to apply for the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan assistance program if you are eligible so you can receive funds towards your recovery.

If your business has been damaged in a disaster, you can depend on us for assistance. Contact us at any time of the day or night to report your damage and get a team dispatched to you quickly.