The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will release its annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook on Thursday, May 21.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but storms are most common from mid-August through mid-October. Don’t assume your business is safe just because it’s not on the coast. Inland businesses can also suffer major damage from heavy rain, overwhelmed storm drains, tornadoes, and fast-moving floodwater.

Now is the time to review — or create — your business disaster plan. Here’s what every small business owner should cover:

Understand your risks

Know the most likely threats in your area and take steps now to reduce damage.

• Check FEMA’s flood map at FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see whether your business is in a flood zone.
• Contact your local emergency management office to learn about local risks.
• Know your evacuation zone and evacuation routes before a storm is named.
• Consider other regional risks, including tornadoes, hail, earthquakes, or wildfires.

Review your insurance

Make sure you have enough coverage to recover after a disaster. Read your policies carefully so you understand what is and isn’t covered.

• Consider business interruption insurance to help cover operating expenses if you must temporarily close.
• Buy flood insurance if you don’t already have it. Most standard policies do not cover flood damage.
• Remember that most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Document your assets

Take photos and videos of your building, inventory, equipment, and vehicles before a storm hits.

• Keep a written inventory of equipment and estimated values.
• Store serial numbers, receipts, and purchase records with your documentation.
• Save copies in a secure cloud account and keep physical copies in a waterproof, fireproof container at an off-site location.

Back up your records

Protect important business records before severe weather threatens your area.

• Back up tax records, contracts, employee files, licenses, and customer data to a secure cloud platform.
• Keep at least one backup copy off-site.
• Include insurance policy numbers, passwords, and emergency contact information in your emergency file.
• Test your backups occasionally to make sure they actually work.

Make a business continuity plan

Decide what your business needs to keep operating — or reopen quickly — after a storm.

• Identify which employees can work remotely and what equipment they would need.
• Arrange an alternate workspace in case your building is inaccessible.
• Talk with suppliers about their backup plans and possible delays.
• Decide how payroll and vendor payments will continue if your office is closed for several days.

Create an emergency response plan

Make sure employees know what to do before, during, and after a storm.

• Post evacuation routes and emergency exits where employees can easily see them.
• Conduct a brief walkthrough with staff before hurricane season starts.
• Keep printed emergency contact lists in case phones or internet service fail.
• Assign responsibilities ahead of time so employees know who handles communications, shutdown procedures, and safety checks.

Build a communications plan

Choose one person to coordinate communication with employees, customers, and vendors during an emergency.

• Use group texts or apps like Slack or WhatsApp to stay in touch with your team.
• Designate an out-of-state contact person in case local phone service is disrupted.
• Tell customers ahead of time how you will share updates, closures, or reopening information.

Prepare your building

Take steps now to reduce storm damage.

• Clear gutters, drains, and downspouts.
• Move valuable inventory and equipment off the floor if flooding is possible.
• Board up windows or install storm shutters in high-risk areas.
• Know how to shut off water, gas, and electricity.
• Trim trees and remove loose outdoor items that could become dangerous in high winds.

Prepare for power outages

Many businesses lose power for days after major storms.

• Charge backup batteries and portable devices ahead of time.
• Test generators before hurricane season begins.
• Store fuel safely and follow local safety guidelines.
• Protect computers, servers, and electronics with surge protectors.

Get your finances in order

Storms can interrupt business for days or weeks.

• Keep a small amount of cash available in case ATMs or card readers stop working.
• Store important banking information somewhere secure and accessible.
• Ask your bank about disaster assistance options.

Watch out for scams

Scammers often target businesses after disasters.

• Be cautious of fake contractors demanding payment upfront.
• Watch for phishing emails and fake charity requests.
• Verify repair companies and disaster assistance offers before sharing information or making payments.

Build a disaster kit

Keep emergency supplies in an easy-to-access location.

Include:

• Flashlights
• Batteries
• A portable radio
• First-aid supplies
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• A basic tool kit
• Plastic sheeting
• Garbage bags
• Phone chargers and backup battery packs
• Encourage employees to prepare emergency kits for their homes as well

Don’t wait

The best time to prepare is before a storm appears in the forecast. Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your employees, customers, property, and business operations when severe weather strikes.