9 Ways to Protect Your Small Business from Hurricanes

The hurricane season is between June 1 and November 30. Storms can change direction overnight, however, your strategy must be set long before the winds start blowing. To ensure that people, cash and stock are safe, follow these steps so that you are able to quickly and smoothly reopen.

1. Decide Who Does What

Choose one person to close up shop if the county issues an evacuation order. Assign someone to turn off computers, disconnect equipment, and save the most recent data. Assign a first-in person to inspect the roof, power, and plumbing following the storm. Ensure everyone has their contact info and start a group chat ahead of time.

2. Protect Your Data

Make sure your data is backed up to the cloud nightly. Keep customer lists and payroll files on a drive that is not close to your building. Take pictures of the buildings interior and exterior, as well as all business equipment, and upload them to the cloud. In case water destroys anything, you still have proof for insurance and FEMA.

3. Keep Payments Flowing

Internet tends to fail before power goes out. Card Systems can place a wireless backup router that will come into action as soon as your primary line goes down. When it does go down, you and your customers will never even notice. Cards continue to swipe as other stores are putting up “Cash Only” signs.

4. Harden Your Location

Check around the outside. Trim branches close to wires and remove signs that might blow off. Bolt shelves to studs. Computers and printers should be raised off the floor at least one foot. If your location tends to flood often, install snap-in flood panels by the doors. These little actions now save big money in the future.

5. Build a 72-Hour Kit for Staff

Put phone chargers, flashlights, masks, gloves, paper vendor lists, and any medicine a worker may need in a week into a bin. Put the bin in a high place, label it, and remind the crew where it lives. A ready kit will ensure that everyone is focused on the job, not searching for supplies.

6. Secure Cash and Vital Records

When things start taking a turn for the worse, clear the tills early, put your money away, and get to the bank before the roads get crowded. Store your deeds, tax documents, titles, or any other important documents in a fire-rated safe that is mounted above the flood level. Put high-value items on higher shelves or take them off-site if you can.

7. Know Your Evacuation and Re-entry Zones

Lee County’s All-Hazards Guide identifies routes, shelters, and re-entry points. Collier County has convenient forms and updates on its emergency page. Charlotte County provides open shelters and road alerts on its hurricane portal. Bookmark each site and download any free applications ahead of time while the signal is good.

8. Plan Post-Storm Cash and Credit

The Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit by FEMA takes you through a basic 30-day budget on rent, payroll, and supplies. Florida SBDC disaster experts drive Mobile Assistance Centers to damaged areas and assist owners with loan documents free of charge. The SBA Disaster portal provides low-interest loans on damage and lost sales. Apply online when your county receives a federal disaster tag since money is transferred in timestamp order.

9. Reopen, Then Communicate

Turn on the generator, wait for the green light on the router, and run a test sale to ensure that you’re live. Once the place is inspected, post a quick video on social media to show customers that the shop is safe. Send new hours and any limited menus or services via email and text to your list. Offer a storm survival deal to bring people in while debris lines the curbs. Your backup router from Card Systems keeps the transactions quick even on generator power.