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Point of Sale Systems
866 207 3298

Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Resources for Small Businesses on Florida’s West Coast

Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Resources for Small Businesses

With Hurricane Milton approaching, now is the time for small businesses along Florida’s west coast—from Tampa to Naples—to double-check their hurricane preparedness plans. Severe storms like Milton can bring dangerous winds, flooding, and prolonged business disruptions. Having the right resources and a plan in place can help your business weather the storm and recover faster.

1. Develop a Quick Hurricane Plan

  • Emergency contacts: Ensure you have updated contact lists for employees, vendors, and local emergency services.
  • Evacuation routes: Know your area’s evacuation zones and shelter locations.
  • Communication strategy: Set up group messaging or email to keep your team informed during the storm.

2. Secure Your Property

  • Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against wind and debris.
  • Elevate key equipment: Move important documents and equipment above flood levels and cover with sheet plastic to protect from falling water.
  • Clear outdoor areas: Remove anything outside that could become dangerous in high winds.

3. Backup Your Data

  • Use cloud storage to ensure vital information is accessible remotely if your physical office is damaged.
  • Schedule regular backups to avoid losing data if systems go down.

4. Supply Chain Readiness

  • Stock up on essentials: Make sure you have critical supplies ahead of the storm.
  • Identify alternative suppliers: Be prepared in case your primary vendors are impacted by the hurricane.

5. Employee Safety First

  • Have evacuation procedures ready: Make sure your team knows when and how to evacuate.
  • Emergency kits: Equip employees with emergency supplies if sheltering in place is necessary.

6. Plan for Post-Storm Recovery

  • Assess damage quickly: After Hurricane Milton passes, inspect your property and systems.
  • Temporary work locations: Be ready to work remotely or from a backup location if your office is affected.
  • Federal assistance: Explore SBA disaster loans and FEMA assistance to help with recovery.

Key Hurricane Resources for Businesses

Local Resources:

State Resources:

Federal Resources:

Corporate Resources:

Prepare Now for Hurricane Milton

With Hurricane Milton on the horizon, take action to protect your business. Secure your property, back up your data, and make sure your employees are safe. By using these resources and getting your plan in place today, you can weather the storm and get back to business quickly.

At Card Systems, Inc., we understand how critical it is to protect your business during hurricane season. From safeguarding sensitive data to ensuring business continuity, we’re here to provide secure solutions that help you stay prepared. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your business before and after the storm. Our office will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, 10/9/24 and 10/10/24, so please contact our tech line at (239) 340-8746 in case of emergencies. For non-emergency communications, please email support@cardsystems.com.