To help protect your business from the natural disasters that affect Florida, the best defense is having a solid plan in place before an emergency strikes. Be sure to review key, up-to-date information from our Florida SBDC Network.
Get A Plan
Getting a plan assists businesses in developing a family and/or business plan using the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s online templates, checklists, and other references.
Ready.gov/Business
Ready Business assists businesses in developing a preparedness program by providing tools to create a plan that addresses the impact of many hazards. Ensure you have the information and resources you need to be ready.
Prepare a Business-Ready “Records-To-Go” Box:
Every business should have a Business-Ready “Records-To-Go” box that includes important documents and supplies necessary for business to continue after a disaster. Make sure the box is fire- and waterproof. Some suggested records include:
- Business continuity, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery plan
- Emergency contact list of employees and key customers
- Insurance policies and agent information
- List of suppliers and vendors
- Back-up computer systems and data files
- Bank records
For more helpful tips on how businesses can protect their assets, support their employees, and safeguard critical business processes, review our Dare to Prepare Flyer (PDF).
Additional Resources to Help Businesses Stay Informed and Prepare:
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Agility Recovery, in partnership with the SBA, has developed their hurricane preparedness checklist to help businesses prepare for a hurricane’s effect on your business, employees, and community, by highlighting activities you should undertake before, during, and following the event.
Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC)
When the FLVBEOC has been activated to a Level 1 — a full-scale, 24-hour activation — they provide businesses with valuable preparedness information.
Statewide Private Sector Re-Entry Program
Businesses should be aware that local authorities will require employees seeking re-entry to impacted areas to provide a driver’s license or passport, proof of employment or a letter on company letterhead, and proof of a demonstrated need to enter the area, such as a work order or employer authorization.
Business Continuation Services
Ensuring Northwest Florida is Open for Business
Research shows approximately 40% of businesses that close following a disaster never reopen.
You spent a lot of time, money, and effort building up your business, so you want to protect it. Disasters of all types, whether man-made (cyber attack or data breach, loss of a key employee, road construction that displaces traffic, supply chain interruption, etc.) or a natural disaster (hurricane, flood, drought, freeze, etc.), can threaten businesses no matter where they’re located. These interruptions can make it difficult for small businesses to keep the doors open. To improve your chances of staying in business should the worst happen, every business owner should have a plan in place.
How We Can Help
Business Continuity, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery Plans
As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation through its business continuation services. Our professionally certified business consultants provide consulting at no cost, and training events to help you minimize losses and increase survivability when affected by natural and man-made disasters. Our specialists can help you develop a comprehensive business continuity, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery plan tailored for your business at no cost. Connect with us to do so.
Disaster Recovery Credentials
In the event of a disaster, our professionally certified business consultants — many of whom are Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Certified Business Continuity Professionals — can assist affected businesses in applying for state and federal disaster loans as well as other post-disaster challenges, at no cost.
Further Resources
Explore these additional resources for more information on protecting your business before and after a disaster.
Bridge Loan Information
Florida Commerce and Florida Jobs local government Emergency Bridge Loan information
SBA.gov
Federal disaster loan information
FEMA.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency information