How Can Small Businesses Stay Informed During Disasters?
By: Aries Payne
Disasters can strike at any time, threatening your business operations, employees, and customers. But what if there was a way to stay on top of it?
Staying informed during a natural disaster or emergency is key to ensuring you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Below are a few resources you can use to stay aware of any disasters that may directly impact your business. With the right knowledge, you can minimize disruption and ensure your business remains resilient.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages the national Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which sends notifications to mobile phones to warn about dangerous weather conditions and other critical events for general public safety and awareness. Having these notifications enabled will ensure you’re aware of any immediate threats.
National Weather Service Alerts
The National Weather Service regularly shares weather updates and alerts on its website and social media. Beyond your standard severe weather notifications, the National Weather Service provides information on flood warnings, heat advisories, and more. So, even if there’s no impending natural disaster, this is a valuable resource to stay abreast of conditions that may prevent your staff from commuting to work, for example.
Texas Division of Emergency Management
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) offers resources for storm preparedness and disaster recovery. The TDEM will usually update its social media with timely information so you know about impending storms and the resources you may need following any damage they bring.
CDC Emergency Feed
If there’s a new public health threat, the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s Twitter feed will usually share key updates, including the CDC’s response to any immediate threats and recommendations for staying healthy and safe.
CNN Storm Tracker
CNN has a comprehensive severe weather tracker with a storm radar and forecast. The page also has details on power outages, impacts, flooding, and more. This site contains up-to-date information if you’re trying to monitor current conditions during a disaster.
Esri Hurricane Aware Map
The Esri Hurricane Aware map lets you find details about a hurricane that may impact your area. Once you plug in your address or city, the map will reveal current and expected precipitation, wind gusts, and other demographic details. You can also filter results on the map by hurricane name.
FEMA App
FEMA now has a free mobile app to access various disaster resources. The app will send weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service, and you can choose up to five locations to receive notifications. In times of disaster, the app is also a great resource for seeking shelter near you if you need to evacuate. In addition to the app, you can enroll in FEMA’s text messaging service, which can also provide alerts and assist you in seeking shelter.
FEMA Flood Map
The FEMA Flood Map gives you access to information on current flooding conditions. This is a useful tool to assess whether your brick-and-mortar has been impacted by recent storms or if flooding may potentially prevent employees and customers from reaching you.
There are plenty of other ways to stay connected so you’re in the loop before and during an emergency, such as social media, tuning into local radio and news stations, and keeping up with your local officials. And, if you find that a disaster impacts your business, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest SBDC for resources to help it get back on track as soon as possible.
