Take the next steps in your disaster planning for your business

Strengthen your disaster readiness planning with these resources that can help you create a written plan, keep employees safe, and find financial assistance. Along with the resources listed here, consider exploring what local business associations have to offer.

General disaster readiness and recovery

• Ready.gov: This site, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), features a comprehensive collection of toolkits and checklists to help businesses prepare for specific types of disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, or floods.
• SCORE Small Business Disaster Preparedness Resources: The small business mentoring organization offers disaster readiness and recovery guides, checklists, and on-demand webinars.
• Open for Business: This Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety program helps business owners create custom continuity plans covering operations, IT, staff, and other areas.

Personnel safety

• American Red Cross Training: Search for first aid, CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), and other courses by location. Training is also available online.
• Ready Rating: Another American Red Cross initiative, this free membership program aims to help organizations prepare for disasters and other emergencies. Members gain access to checklists, drill instructions, and other resources.

Financial recovery/tax relief

• U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance: This SBA program page includes information about its low-interest disaster loans that can be used to repair or replace equipment, inventory, real estate, and other assets.
• DisasterAssistance.gov Resource Finder: This one-stop portal allows disaster victims to search for assistance they may qualify for from several federal government entities.
• IRS Disaster Assistance Resources: Find details on claiming casualty losses on property that has been destroyed by a natural disaster. The page also includes video presentations on IRS disaster relief, reconstructing records after a disaster for tax purposes, and applying for aid.