48 hours
Assess damages
Stay safe and protected
During this time, it’s possible you experienced or are experiencing power outages. If so, check that your employees are safe, disconnect electrical appliances to avoid surges, and contact your utility company if possible. Protect yourself and your property from any further damage.
Assess the damage
Once it's safe, take stock of any damages. Create a list of destroyed or damaged items, and photograph or record the scene (including any debris) before cleaning. Your state, local, tribal or territorial emergency management officials will be conducting damage assessments for your area. Follow directions from local officials on how to report damage.
Try to estimate replacement costs through historical records and current price estimates. During repair and reconstruction, maintain a log of activities and save all receipts.
File insurance claims
If you have insurance, re-familiarize yourself with your policy and coverage. In addition to physical damage, many policies include coverage for interruptions to normal business activity. Next, contact your insurance company to discuss how to file claims, when an insurance assessor may visit, how quickly claims are processed, and in what form they will be paid.
If you are uninsured, visit the SBA’s guide to getting business insurance, and FEMA’s guide to insuring your home and property.
1 week
Communicate
Communicate with customers
While you get organized, it’s important to communicate with customers and share accurate information as soon as possible. You can update your website, post on social media, and edit your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
Make prudent decisions and communicate with your team
At this point, it’s important to make prudent decisions on reopening your business. If you decide to reopen, create a return-to-business plan, and if required, look for alternative temporary business locations or move your operations online. Be sure to communicate these changes with your team, and stay connected remotely.
2-4 weeks
Explore funding
Explore sources of funding
It may be helpful to explore additional sources of funding during this time. Learn all your options and see if you qualify for government programs and resources.
Moving forward
Be ready
Resume operations and enable e-commerce
In an effort to reopen, contact any key customers and suppliers around resuming operations. Whether you are ready to physically open soon or not, you can make your business transactable online.
Prepare for future emergencies
Be digitally ready, no matter what. Visit our Disaster Preparedness guide for resources and tools to help your business through any emergency. And explore our Essentials Guide to be discoverable and transactable online.