Developing Survival Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
Your business was closed for 1 day?--1 week?--1 month?--Longer?
It is important that you consider the impact on your business after a disaster. Consider what the impact of closing your business would have on your cash flow and just how long you could survive with no income. While insurance and government assistance loans may help, you should think about how much that will be and how quickly it will be available to you.
Your employees couldn't get to work?
Think of ways that you could run your business if some or all of your employees couldn't get to work. Your business might not be affected, but the neighborhoods where your employees live and the access routes to your business might be.
You could open, but your customers couldn't get to your place of business?
It is quite possible that you could open, but access for your customers could be limited or non-existent. Think of ways that you could reach out to your customers in this instance.
You could open, but your suppliers and vendors either couldn't get to you or they were also impacted and couldn't meet your needs?
If your current suppliers and vendors were unable to meet your needs, you should have alternate resources identified. Palm Beach County's Emergency Needs Posting System may be a valuable resource in securing assistance after a disaster.
There was no demand for your goods or services?
You should consider whether there will be demand for your goods or services after a hurricane. If your goods or services are not critical to hurricane recovery efforts in your community and you do not have a customer base outside the impacted area, it may be some time before demand returns. If it is unlikely there would be sufficient demand for your goods or services, you may need to wait for demand to rebuild or consider reinventing your business to better meet the demands of the post-disaster environment.
Will your customers be able to afford your goods or services?
You must give consideration to your customers' ability to afford your goods or services after a disaster. If they have been affected by the disaster they will very likely have little discretionary spending ability. They will be spending only on what they need for their own survival.
What sources would you use to fund recovery?
While insurance and government loan assistance may be available to you after a disaster, you should consider how much will be available and how long it will take. The Insurance and Business Recovery Assistance elements of your plan will help you make these determinations. Other sources of funds may include business loans, personal loans, personal savings, company assets, family help or other forms of local government assistance. You should carefully read the other information contained in this element and use it to help guide you regarding funding your recovery.
How strong is the business?
If your business was not financially strong prior to a disaster, it may be extremely difficult for you to survive after. You should give careful consideration to the condition of your business and the viability of continuing in the post-disaster environment.
Do you have the energy and commitment to rebuild?
It takes the same energy and commitment to rebuild a business that it did to start the business. Think very carefully about whether you will be able to devote that energy and commitment.
It is important to understand that the answers to these questions are not easy. They will be unique to your business and your circumstances. Before attempting to answer them:
Hurricane Planning Directory: