Small businesses and congregations
A business that reopens quickly brings a neighborhood back; a congregation that is ready becomes the place people go. Both depend on a plan made before the storm.
The one thingKnow how you would reach every employee or member, and keep copies of your records somewhere outside the building.
A one-page plan
- A contact list for every employee, volunteer, or member leader, with a second way to reach each one.
- Who decides to close, who reopens, and how you will tell people.
- Which work has to keep going and how it could be done from somewhere else.
- A list of key suppliers, your landlord, your insurer, and your bank, with phone numbers.
- Where you would go if the building cannot be used.
Protect the building and records
- Photograph and video the building, equipment, and inventory.
- Review your property, flood, and business interruption coverage with your agent.
- Back up files, payroll, and membership records to a secure off-site or cloud copy.
- Plan to shut down, unplug, and raise equipment and stock off the floor before a storm.
Close well
- Tell employees and members early when you will close and how you will reach them.
- Secure the building, bring in outdoor items, and move records and equipment up and away from windows.
- Take the plan, the contact list, and the backups with you.
Reopen and help
- Check that the building is safe before anyone goes in. Photograph damage before cleanup and call your insurer.
- Reach every employee or member and find out who needs help.
- Federal disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, and households are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration after a declaration.
- If your congregation or business wants to serve the community, a space to charge phones, a meal, or a distribution site, coordinate with your county coalition so help goes where it is needed. Find it on your county page.
- If you respond after disasters regularly, consider joining Florida VOAD.
For official instructions, follow your county emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. This guide is general guidance from Florida VOAD's member organizations and does not replace local orders.