Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, and for small businesses, early preparation is not just a best practice—it’s a critical part of business continuity. A severe storm doesn’t just threaten physical property; it can disrupt supply chains, damage your reputation, and put employees at risk. The good news? A few proactive steps taken now—in May—can make all the difference between a swift recovery and a devastating setback.
Hurricane Preparedness Week Details…
May is the annual host month for Hurricane Preparedness Week, held this year from May 4th through 10th, 2025, and we’re here to start you off on your way to being ready. During the week we will present detailed opportunities to educate yourself on preparing your small/medium sized business for the upcoming season. Stay tuned to our social pages for information drops and free offers that will go a long way in helping you to be ready.
Here’s what your small business can do right now.
1. Review and Update Your Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan should be a living document—updated annually and customized to the types of threats most likely to affect your business. With hurricane season looming, it’s time to revisit your plan and tailor it specifically for high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and potential evacuations.
Key components to include:
- Evacuation routes for both staff and customers
- Shelter-in-place procedures for sudden or fast-moving storms
- Contact information for staff, vendors, suppliers, and emergency services
- Clear roles and responsibilities for employees in a crisis
- Protocols for shutting down operations quickly if needed
If you don’t have a formal plan in place, now is the perfect time to create one. Start small and build from there—something is always better than nothing when a disaster strikes.
2. Know Your Vulnerabilities
Every business is different. Some may operate out of a shared office building downtown, while others are located in industrial zones or near coastal areas. Understanding your unique risk factors is an essential part of planning.
Ask yourself:
- Am I located in a flood-prone area or storm surge zone?
- How reliant is my business on electricity? Will a power outage shut me down completely?
- Do I rely on physical inventory or critical equipment that could be damaged?
- Would road closures affect my ability to deliver goods or receive supplies?
Use this analysis to create a targeted mitigation strategy. For example, if you’re at high risk for flooding, elevate sensitive equipment and keep sandbags on hand. If power is a concern, look into battery backups or a generator to keep essential systems online.
3. Back Up Critical Data
In today’s digital world, your files are just as important as your storefront. Client records, accounting files, payroll systems, and inventory databases should all be backed up regularly, ideally in the cloud or on secure external drives stored off-site.
Tips for better data security:
- Use automatic cloud backups for daily operations
- Keep physical copies of critical documents in a secure, waterproof container
- Test your backup systems quarterly to ensure they’re working as intended
If you were locked out of your office for two weeks, could your business still function remotely? If the answer is “no,” this is the month to fix that.
4. Test Emergency Systems
From security alarms to backup power generators, emergency systems only help if they’re functioning correctly. Schedule a quick audit to test and service anything you might need during or after a storm.
Make sure to check:
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Battery-operated emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Backup power systems (like generators or battery packs)
- Security systems and cameras
Don’t wait until the power goes out to find out your generator won’t start. Proactive maintenance is key.
5. Establish a Communication Plan
How will you keep your team informed during a hurricane? What about your clients, vendors, or customers?
Your communication plan should include:
- A designated communication lead or team
- Group contact lists for staff and vendors
- Pre-written messages for closures, delays, or safety instructions
- Multiple platforms for updates: text, email, social media, voicemail
Being able to communicate clearly and quickly reduces panic, builds trust, and shows your business is in control—even when the weather isn’t.
6. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Now is the time to sit down with your insurance broker and make sure your policy truly protects your business. Too often, business owners assume they’re covered—only to find exclusions hidden in the fine print.
Be sure to ask about:
- Storm and wind damage coverage
- Flood insurance (note: this is typically separate)
- Business interruption coverage (including temporary relocation)
- Equipment replacement policies
- Deductibles and payout timelines
Documenting your assets—take photos or videos of your office, equipment, and inventory—can also help speed up claims if disaster strikes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until the Sky Turns Grey
Disasters don’t schedule appointments. The most successful businesses are the ones that treat preparedness as part of their everyday operations. Taking time this May to review your hurricane readiness isn’t just about surviving a storm—it’s about maintaining customer confidence, protecting your team, and preserving the hard work you’ve put into building your business.
Start with one step. Whether it’s updating your plan or testing your generator, every action you take now builds resilience. Because when the wind picks up and the rain starts to fall, it’s too late to wonder if you did enough.
Need help creating or reviewing your emergency plan?
At Fortitude Emergency Management Inc., we go beyond just preparing businesses for emergencies—we provide tailored, comprehensive emergency preparedness solutions designed to address the specific risks that your business faces during the spring season and beyond. Whether you’re concerned about flooding, severe storms, or other weather-related threats, our team offers a range of services to keep your business protected and operational no matter the circumstances.
Our Small Business Emergency Plan Program is available in both virtual and on-site formats, ensuring that you receive hands-on guidance and expert assistance in crafting a custom emergency plan tailored to your business needs. We also offer professional emergency plan reviews to help you identify any gaps or weaknesses in your current strategy. For businesses looking for ongoing support, our retainer program provides year-round access to services like quarterly emergency drills, plan maintenance, and 24/7 on-call emergency support.
With quarterly reviews, employee training, and priority status for incident response, we ensure that your business stays resilient no matter what risks come your way.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to start planning—take action now to safeguard your business for the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our emergency preparedness solutions. You can reach us at [email protected], or visit our website at https://fortitudeem.com to explore our services in detail and book a free consultation.