As we all know, natural disasters such as the onslaught of hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast recently can devastate communities, shutting down business operations and throwing entire communities into survival mode.

Preparedness is key when it comes to weathering storms large and small, but many small businesses don’t know where to start when devising an emergency preparedness plan.

Partnering with a Family Business Lawyer™ can help your business survive—and even thrive—after a natural disaster.

Here are a few tips to help you mitigate the risks of doing business when disaster strikes:

On-Site and Employee Protections

Create an on-site emergency plan to help keep your employees safe. A thorough plan and a well stocked emergency kit will help your business handle the immediate effects of a natural disaster. Take the time to train employees ahead of time so that everyone knows what to do and how to communicate when disaster strikes.

Audit Your Insurance Policies

A Family Business Lawyer™ can mitigate your risks by recommending the right insurance policy for your business. Business interruption insurance will cover your losses—such as loss of revenue—after a covered event. This will help you stay operational even if your clients are unable to pay due to the effects of the disaster.

You’ll also need thorough documentation of all your assets to file a claim. Work with one of our lawyers, in advance of a natural disaster — like now —  to ensure your documentation fulfills insurance claim requirements.

Safeguard Your Data

Accessing your data is crucial to staying on track financially after a disaster. Develop a backup system that includes storage in the cloud and off-site hard copies of critical documents, stored in fire and water proof containment. Without the right information, it may be hard to file a claim or get operations up and running again.

Plan Your Communications

Establish a clear method of employee communication and delegate responsibilities. Work with a lawyer who can keep relevant information on hand and help you file insurance claims in the aftermath of a disaster.

Develop a Recovery Strategy

Develop a financial recovery plan so you can quickly resume payroll and invoicing. You’ll also need to account for missing income if your customers or clients are affected by the disaster and cannot pay.

A Family Business Lawyer™ can help your business prepare for the legal, insurance, financial, and operational problems that could be caused by a natural disaster. If you’re ready to be proactive in protecting your business from natural disasters, begin by sitting down with a Family Business Lawyer™. A Family Business Lawyer™ can give you peace of mind and help you implement a legal, insurance, financial, and tax system that will ensure your business can weather any storm.