Hurricane Preparedness: Protecting Your Business during Inclement Weather
Weathering the Storm:
How to prepare and manage before, during, and after a hurricane, wind, or flooding event.
Hurricane Debby is on our doorstep, and with it comes the threat of flash flooding. As a small business owner in Horry County, you're no stranger to the challenges these storms present. Let's dive deeper into how to navigate this week safely, from preparation to recovery.
When to Close Your Business
The decision to close your business is critical and should be made with careful consideration. Here are some factors to weigh:
Storm Severity: Closely monitor the National Weather Service for updates on the storm's intensity and projected path. If your area is under a hurricane warning or watch, consider closing early.
Flood Zones: If your business is located in a flood-prone area, it's essential to close before the storm arrives.Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage.
Employee Safety: The safety of your employees is paramount. If conditions are dangerous for commuting or if your workplace becomes unsafe, prioritize their well-being by closing.
Business Continuity: Assess your business's ability to operate during and after the storm. If critical systems,such as power or internet, are likely to be disrupted, closing may be necessary.
Talk to Neighbors: If neighbors are all closing on your street, shopping center or mall, it may not make sense to remain open with limited or no traffic.
Essential Emergency Preparations
Protecting your business before the storm hits is crucial. Here's a detailed checklist:
Secure Your Property:
Remove outdoor furniture, signage, and other loose objects that could become projectiles.
Secure windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
Clear gutters and drains to prevent water buildup.
Protect Your Inventory:
Elevate valuable equipment, inventory, and paperwork off the ground.
Consider sandbagging entryways to prevent water damage.
Protect electronic equipment with waterproof covers.
Document Your Assets: Take photos or videos of your inventory and property for insurance purposes.
Backup Your Data: Ensure all critical business data is backed up to a secure off-site location.
Communicate with Customers and Employees: Inform customers and employees of your closure plans,emergency contacts, and any relevant information.
Maximizing Your Downtime
While a hurricane can disrupt your business, it also presents an opportunity for strategic planning and preparation. Here are some productive ways to spend your downtime:
Work Remotely: Get done what you can from home. Clean out leads, follow up with deals/initiatives that haven’t closed, create drafts for future social media posts, spiff up your website.
Review and Update Your Business Insurance: Ensure your coverage is adequate and up-to-date. Consider additional coverage options like flood insurance.
Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan: Outline detailed steps for business continuity, including communication protocols, employee safety procedures, and data recovery strategies.
Employee Training: Invest time in skill development for employees via video conferencing.
Financial Planning: Review your financial situation and explore potential funding options for recovery efforts.
Marketing and Customer Relationship Management: Develop a communication plan for reconnecting with customers once the storm passes. Consider offering special promotions or discounts to rebuild customer loyalty.
Local Resources and Contact Information
Sandbag Locations: Contact your local emergency management agency for information on sandbag distribution sites.
Evacuation Zones and Routes: Determine if your business is located in an evacuation zone and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes.
Evacuation areas for ZONE A include:
Areas east of House Creek from the SC/NC state line to the center of Cherry Grove Beach, with minor fluctuations inland.
Areas east of Hillside Dr. and Ocean Blvd and east of Hwy 17 Business in Briarcliffe Acres.
Areas east of Kings Rd. and down Ocean Blvd. to Springmaid Beach.
Areas east of U.S. Business 17 (S Kings Hwy) from Myrtle Beach State Park to the Georgetown County line, with coastal fluctuations in Surfside Beach and Garden City.
Evacuation areas for ZONE B include:
Areas east of Hwy 17 from Little River to Atlantic Beach.
Areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy) from the U.S. Hwy 22 interchange to Springmaid Beach.
Areas east of U.S. Business 17 from 16th Ave N to Vista Dr. in Surfside Beach.
Areas between the Georgetown County line, TPC Blvd., Hwy 707 and Hwy 17.
Evacuation areas for ZONE C include:
Areas between Hwy 701 and Hwy 544, with some fluctuations to Myrtle Beach International Airport and Waccamaw Blvd.
Emergency Shelters: Identify nearby shelters in case of mandatory evacuation.
Aynor Middle School 400 Frye Road, Galivants Ferry, SC 29544
Conway High School 2301 Church Street, Conway, SC 29526
Loris High School 301 Loris Lions Road, Loris, SC 29569
North Myrtle Beach High School 3750 Sea Mountain Hwy, Little River, SC 29566
Utility Companies:
Horry Electric Cooperative: (843) 369-2211
Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority: (843) 443-8200
Santee Cooper: (843) 347-3399
Remember: Your safety and the safety of your employees and customers are the top priorities.
Do you have an emergency plan in place for your business? Let’s get prepared! Contact us today to get started.