Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, March 2, in response to the wildfires burning across the state.

Officials reported on Sunday that more than 175 wildfires were affecting 4,200 acres across several counties, including Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, and Pickens. They attributed the fires’ rapid spread to dry, windy conditions.

These wildfires are just the latest example of natural disasters that can severely impact small businesses—causing property damage, preventing employees from working, and disrupting deliveries.

If your small business is ever affected by a disaster, here are some key steps to remember:

Navigating the Insurance Claims process

If your home or small business was impacted by the storm, consider the following when it comes time to file and resolve your insurance claim: Once it’s safe, call your insurance company. At a minimum, you’ll want to ask:

• What types of damage are covered?
• How long will it take to process my claim?
• Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs? 

Make temporary repairs. While it’s OK to take steps to protect your property from further damage, you should hold off on making extensive permanent repairs until the claims adjuster (a person professionally trained to assess the damage) has visited your business and assessed the damages. Make sure you save receipts for what you spend on repairs. Prepare for the adjuster’s visits. The more information you have about your damaged property ––descriptions of as many items as possible, approximate date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair them––the faster your claim can be settled.

• To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and give a copy to the adjuster, along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed, or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
• Identify structural damage to your business and any supporting structures. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster, such as cracks in the walls and missing roof tiles. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
• Get written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
• Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone to whom you speak.

After your claim has been settled and the repair work is underway. Take the time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Was your business adequately insured? Did you have replacement cost coverage for all of your assets? Talk to your insurance agent about possible changes.