Topics:
September 9, 2024 Last Edit: June 5, 2025
Here are some actions you should take now to protect your small business
Preparing for Hurricane Francine
- Understand the risks. Is your business in a location where flooding is possible? Are tornadoes, hail storms, earthquakes, or other acts of nature potential hazards to your business? Be sure you are aware and protected as much as possible against the possible risks.
- Be sure you have adequate insurance. You need at least enough to rebuild your home and business. Review your policies to see what is — and isn’t — covered. Consider business interruption insurance, which helps cover operating costs during the post-disaster shutdown period. Get flood insurance.
- Take photographs and videos of your assets. Store them online if possible or in waterproof and fireproof containers kept in a safe place, such as a relative’s or friend’s home or business in another state.
- Have an emergency response plan. Determine your evacuation routes. Establish meeting places. Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
- Develop a communications plan. Designate someone to serve as a contact person for your employees, customers, and vendors. Phone and email in your area may be down following a natural disaster, so ask an out-of-state friend, colleague, or relative to serve as a post-disaster point of contact.
- Back up your business records. Make copies of your vital records and store them in a secure location, ideally in a second location. Back up electronic records to the cloud, and keep paper documents in a fireproof safety deposit box.
- Create a disaster kit. Put a flashlight, a portable radio, fresh batteries, fresh first-aid supplies, non-perishable food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic sheeting, and garbage bags in a bag or box someplace handy, in case of emergency. Encourage your employees to prepare disaster kits for themselves and their families.
State:
Get to know NFIB
NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.
Related Articles

September 10, 2025
Largest Tax Hike in State History Starts Oct. 1, 2025
Sales, B&O taxes set to increase over the next 15 months
Read More

September 8, 2025
Action Alert—Last Week Left to Stop Anti-Small-Business Legis…
Urge your legislators to stop two bills before the session deadline on Frid…
Read More

September 3, 2025
Governor’s Transportation Package Hits Roadblock
One state senator’s absence will delay vote until at least September 17
Read More

September 2, 2025
Congressman Randy Weber Addresses Small Business Community in G…
NFIB thanks Rep. Weber for standing up for Main Street by making the 20% Sm…
Read More