Prepare For An Emergency

How to Prepare for an Emergency - Advice from the Small Business Administration

Smart planning can help you keep your business running if disaster strikes. You’ll want to take the right steps to prevent and prepare for disaster, and know where to get aid if disaster strikes. Hurricanes, floods, fires, terrorism, and other potential hazards pose serious threats to businesses everywhere.

Small businesses effected by a disaster have a tough time re-opening.  Many small businesses, an estimated 25% according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, don’t open again after a major disaster and even more fail within two years following the event. 

Protect your small business by identifying the risks relevant to your location, both natural and man-made. Then, keep your plan of action updated.

Do you know your evacuation zone and routes? View evacuation zone and routes.

The Florida Business Disaster Survival Kit is part of the official state disaster preparedness and mitigation program.

Do you have a plan for your business? Do your employees have a plan for their families? Access assistance in creating a plan for your business.

What do you need to expect from your business insurance? Information to guide your business through important insurance decisions like, “Do I need business interruption insurance?” and “How do I file a claim?”

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on protecting your information before an emergency strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit.

For more resources and information, please visit and register first with Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center.