Quick Tips for Small Business Owners to Plan for Disaster: Infographic

TAMPA and NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Small businesses can be vulnerable during any kind of disaster, but especially during severe weather events. A new infographic from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) depicts steps for businesses to "Get Prepared." September is National Preparedness Month and the peak of hurricane season.

From facilities to finances, the infographic guides business owners through the crucial steps to protect their organizations from natural disasters on an easy-to-read timeline from the calm before the storm to the recovery period. Among the tips are: maintain updated business inventories; inspect roofs and grounds and remove debris; review insurance policies for adequate property and business interruption coverage; inspect building and conduct needed repairs; and back up computer data immediately before an event.

"Taking time now to prepare saves money later," said Gail Moraton, business resiliency manager for IBHS. "We know many small businesses don't reopen after disaster strikes. Planning ahead for continuity of the physical property and finances can help companies reopen more quickly, stay in business and weather the potential effects of a disaster."

"Unlike large companies, small business owners have to be their own risk managers," said Loretta Worters, a vice president with the I.I.I. "Identifying their risks and working with their insurance professional to determine the right type and amount of insurance will help businesses recover more quickly."

Visit the Business Protection section of the IBHS website and the Business Insurance section of the I.I.I. website for more information.

RELATED IBHS LINKS

Discover Your Disaster Risk: Scroll to the bottom of the IBHS home page for a map and Zip Code tool, with links to tips and information on each risk.

Business Preparedness: EZ-Prep Toolkit; OFB-EZ Planning Toolkit; Commercial Natural Hazard Property Protection; FORTIFIED Commercial Construction Standards; Commercial Structure Research

RELATED I.I.I. LINKS

Facts and Statistics: Commercial Insurance; Hurricane; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Fire; Flood; Tornadoes; Wildfires.

Articles: When Disaster Strikes: Preparation, Response and Recovery; Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?; Does My Business Need Earthquake Insurance?; Does My Business Need Terrorism Insurance?

OTHER RESOURCES

• National Flood Insurance Program
• Small Business Administration

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS' mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.

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About the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

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SOURCE Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

Related Links

http://www.disastersafety.org