A disaster, natural or otherwise, can cause enormous loss to your business, effecting vital data, equipment, realestate, and your customer base. Even an event on the scale of a brief electrical outage can create havoc on computer files and phone lines. But if disaster suddenly strikes, it doesn’t have to mean that all is lost. With proper planning, your business will be able to recover and continue to thrive even after a disaster.
Here are several steps you can take both before and immediately after a disaster strikes to help keep your business safe and ensure a smooth rebound :
- Prepare in advance. Buy adequate business insurance, including flood and earthquake coverage. Keep backup computer files and copies of paper files, including customer and employee contact information. Store them at a location several miles away from the office. Give employees a method of reaching the business in case of emergency.
- Contact your insurer quickly. File claims ASAP after a disaster strikes. The insurance money will help you to continue running the business and make necessary repairs.
- Consider other locations. If your office has become inoperable due to a disaster, look for temporary quarters. You might be able to use your own home, or another local business that will allow you to use their facilities on an emergency basis.
- Keep employees informed. Your employees have to know whether and where the business will continue to operate. You have to know whether employees can help you assess and clean up damage, or if they have been harmed by the disaster too.
- Update suppliers and vendors. If your business is physically unfit to accept deliveries, you have to halt your orders. Conversely, if the supplier has been affected by the disaster, it’s important to know, so you can find alternate suppliers.
- Maintain customer relations. It is imperative to let customers know whether and when you will resume business as usual. Post new signs on the door of your business every few weeks, and send out mailings about your status.
- Investigate aid. Federal and state loans can provide assistance in disaster areas. Some local industry groups might also offer financial aid. Learn about and take advantage of these.
A disaster can easily destroy a business, preventing it from ever reopening. Proper planning and immediate action can subvert such devastating outcomes.
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