Disaster Preparedness Resources for Small Businesses

By: Aries Payne

Power outages, severe flooding, wind damage, and a global pandemic are just some of the types of disasters that can easily hinder business operations if you're unprepared. However, by taking a few proactive steps and making a comprehensive continuity and emergency plan, you can minimize damage, ensure employee and customer safety, and bounce back quickly.

Here are some resources that can help get you started on developing a disaster preparedness plan for your business:

CDC Resources

The CDC has a pandemic influenza planning checklist to prepare your business for the effects of outbreaks, ranging from employee safety to reduced demand for product lines. The organization also maintains a list of current outbreaks so you can stay up to date on health concerns that may impact your business.

NOAA Resources

The NOAA offers various hurricane preparedness resources for homeowners and businesses, including identifying water and wind risks in your area, creating a go-bag if evacuation is necessary, and more.

Texas Hurricane Center

The Texas Hurricane Center has comprehensive guides on preparing for a storm and what to do during and after it passes. For proactive businesses, the site has great resources for building an emergency supply kit, establishing a communication plan, and identifying evacuation routes and local shelters.

Texas Ready

Operated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Ready outlines a step-by-step process of preparing for various disasters, including:

Hurricanes
Floods
Wildfires
Tornadoes
Thunderstorms
Winter storms
Extreme heat
Chemical, radiation, and biological incidents
Explosions

FEMA Resources

FEMA has a Business Protection Toolkit designed to help businesses prepare for the unexpected and remain resilient after disasters. If your business or home is located in a high-risk area for flooding, FEMA also has information about the National Flood Insurance Program if you want to enroll in a policy.

Ready.gov

Ready.gov is a comprehensive source of resources to prepare for a wide range of disasters, including:

Severe weather and storms
Disruptive space weather
Drought and extreme heat
Inland flooding
Biohazard exposure
Cybersecurity breach
Earthquakes
Explosions
Chemical and hazardous material incidents
Fires
Landslides
Radiation emergencies
Pandemics
Power outages

For general disaster preparedness, Ready.gov has full guides on emergency preparedness in addition to a business impact analysis and financial first aid kit.

SBA Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers two comprehensive guides to prepare and aid businesses for the unexpected:

SBDC Resources

Our SBDCs also offer several tools to help your business prepare for disasters:

If you need help developing a business continuity or emergency plan, we recommend contacting your nearest SBDC. Our advisors can assist you to ensure your business is prepared for anything and everything.