Business

Natural disasters are not the only types of unexpected events that can devastate a business. Fires, power outages and computer and equipment failures are just a few common business emergencies that also have the potential to disrupt normal operations. You can protect your business and your employees by developing a business recovery plan.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a major partner with FEMA and offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business of all sizes. Small businesses, and most non-profit organizations can apply for working capital loans to cover operating expenses during federally declared disasters.

Where to Start

NEBizRecovery is a business assistance program of the South Central Economic Development District to help promote disaster preparedness among the business community in Nebraska.

NEBizRecovery has various online tools available to support businesses starting a plan:

• ICE Toolkit - Outlines steps to begin a disaster plan including defining essential business functions, specifying probable risks, and identifying important contacts
• CPR Toolkit - Outlines steps to enhance a disaster plan including developing communication plans, protecting employees with evacuation and shelter-in-place plans, and actions to review and modify plans
• Presentations and Videos - Topics include an introduction to disaster recovery planning, the essential components of a plan, how to identify essential business functions, and how to determine risks and hazards
• Industry Resources - Industry specific preparedness resources include local government organizations, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and schools

The NEBizRecovery material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the South Central Planning, Exercise and Training Region.

Additional Tools and Resources

For more information about disaster preparedness for businesses visit the following websites:

• ReadyBusiness - Emergency plan development tools in program management, planning, testing and exercising and program improvement
• Prepare My Business - Planning guides, checklists and free monthly educational webinars on business preparedness
• American Red Cross Ready Rating Program - Business preparedness self-assessment, emergency response planner and disaster fact sheets
• Small Biz Cyber Planner - Cyber security strategy template covering privacy and data security, scams, fraud and email
• FEMA Private Sector - Information portal on disaster planning, response and recovery efforts specific to private sector
• PS-Prep - Best practices for small/medium businesses, corporate entities, and non-profit organizations