Will Your Business Survive the Next Disaster?

According to FEMA, approximately 40 to 60 percent of small businesses fail to reopen after a disaster.

Recent disasters, such as the California Palisades Fires and recent severe weather events nationwide, highlight how quickly circumstances can shift. For small businesses, the risks are significant.

Is your business equipped to weather the next catastrophe?

Statistics show that nearly half of small businesses never reopen following a disaster. This sobering fact motivated me to assess my readiness and put a solid plan in place.

The time to act is now.

Here are the key areas I prioritized to safeguard my files and data, along with practical tips you can apply to protect your business and livelihood:

Protecting the “Brain: of My Business – My Clients’ Files and Data

My business is on my desktop, which already implements online software. However, there are files I keep on my hard drive and external. Losing that data could mean the work done over the last 15 years could be gone. Once lost, how can one person ever recover your files?

Here are a few suggestions:

Switch to Cloud Storage: External hard drives are helpful, but you can still lose them during a disaster. Reliable cloud storage services like Google Workspace, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox to back up your files will safeguard your personal and business files.
Remote Backup Systems: Invest in a system that securely backs up data offsite like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Dropbox, Backblaze, and iDrive to back up your files online automatically and affordable options for small businesses.
Cybersecurity Considerations: Disasters often lead to spikes in cyberattacks. Ensure your backups are protected with encryption and implement strong security protocols.

Managing Passwords and Access

When disaster strikes, immediate access to critical accounts is essential.

Use secure password management tools like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden to organize and store passwords for online accounts, banking, and other key services. Make sure multiple trusted team members have access. (Or even Google Passwords)

Keeping Insurance and Financial Records Safe

Scan all insurance policies (building, auto, life, and medical) and store digital copies in the cloud. Keep physical copies in a fireproof safe.
Create an online inventory of serial numbers, model numbers, and photos of all equipment. Tools like Sortly can simplify this process.

Planning for Business Continuity

Develop a detailed disaster recovery plan that includes employee communication, customer notifications, and steps to resume operations. Templates and resources are available from FEMA and the SBA.
Test your plan regularly and update it as your business grows.
Invest in fireproof safes or document storage systems for critical records.
Establish a remote work plan to maintain operations during evacuation orders or air quality events.
Develop an evacuation plan for employees and ensure that anyone who needs access is trained.
Include wildfire-specific insurance in your policy and review coverage annually. (if you can get it)

Now, What About Personal Items?

When disaster strikes, your first thought will be your family’s safety. However, you can take these steps now to ensure personal preparedness and still save some precious memories and documents:

Back up personal photos, videos, and essential documents to cloud services like iCloud, Amazon Photos, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Store emergency contacts, insurance policies, and medical records in easily accessible digital formats.
Scan and upload all legal documents.
If you have a safety deposit box, keep an emergency key in a secure place.
Use emergency apps like FEMA, the Red Cross, or local stations to receive real-time alerts and guidance.

Take Action Now

You may never know when you will need to grab your family and pets to bug out, but your livelihood doesn’t have to be a total loss. Start preparing today to ensure your business and family are ready for whatever comes next. Remember, your actions can make a significant difference in the face of disaster.

Here are some more helpful resources to get you started.

Hopefully, no one ever faces such devastating disasters. But if it happens, you’ll have your files and documents ready to support you as you rebuild.

Sandy, you've done an amazing job getting me "plugged in." I will certainly be recommending you!

Sandy at Bild a Better Business continues to amaze me with her expertise and generousity!

“Sandy Bild is the most efficient and effective assistant I have had the pleasure to work with. She is ALWAYS on time with assignments and is very proficient with her work. She is able to mutli-task and keep work-load running smoothly. One of the things I found most helpful with Sandy is that she keeps on top of my busy schedule and keeps me organized. She is self-sufficient and a self-starter. The experience she brings to the field is invaluable.”

“In the past 3 ½ years Sandy has worked with me, it feels no longer like it’s my business but it’s ours. Together we work perfectly as a team. I know my strengths and I certainly appreciate hers. Sandy has been able to take down my creative ideas and put them on paper to create what I believe to be an outstanding reflection of my business. She has given me the ability to focus on what I do best, sell real estate! Instead of me using my precious time working on the details of advertising, blog posts, researching the proper materials for keeping my clients informed, I count on Sandy for that task! Having someone who “gets it” and then put it into text and production is essential and she does that!”

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