Small Business Hurricane Preparedness: Insights from the National Hurricane Conference

Preparing Small Businesses for Hurricane Season

• 🗓️ With hurricane season just two months away, the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans is focusing on resilience and preparation for communities and businesses.
• 🎯 The organization Before, During, After is dedicated to ensuring small businesses, the backbone of communities, have the resources to remain resilient and prepared for storms.

The Importance of Staying Open During Disasters

• 💡 Remaining open during a disaster signifies crucial support for customers and employees during their most difficult times.
• 🤝 This resilience builds customer loyalty and encourages patronage during good weather, fostering a generational customer base.
• 🚀 Staying open allows businesses to continue operations, pay employees, and contribute to the ongoing economy.

The Economic Impact of Natural Disasters on Small Businesses

• 📉 Up to 40% of small businesses can fail immediately following a natural disaster like a hurricane.
• 💸 An additional 60% may fail within the following year due to economic stress and lack of resources.

Resources for Small Business Preparedness

• 💻 The Before, During, After group offers a clearinghouse of resources, including information on obtaining funds and staying resilient.
• 🔗 A link to their resources is available at khou.com to help small businesses create a plan and get back to work quickly.

Immediate Steps for Business Owners

• ⚡ Businesses should assess their electricity needs, such as acquiring a generator, to maintain operations during power outages.
• 💰 Prioritizing the ability to keep employees paid is essential for maintaining economic stability and community recovery.