Winter Weather Preparedness: Essential Steps for Protecting Your Small Business 

Winter in California brings unique challenges for small businesses, from power outages and road closures to floods and severe storms. These disruptions can affect operations, revenue, and customer relationships. Proactive preparation is the key to minimizing risks and ensuring your business weathers the season safely and successfully. 

To get started, focus on identifying how seasonal conditions could disrupt your daily operations. Consider risks such as supply chain delays, limited staff availability, or extended closures due to unsafe travel conditions. Planning ahead can help you stay resilient and maintain critical functions during even the most unpredictable weather. 

Key steps to safeguarding your business against winter disasters: 

Prepare your Inventory and Emergency Kit- Stock up on essential inventory to avoid shortages during a disruption, and double-check that your emergency winter kit has the necessary supplies for you and your employees. 

Create a Communication Plan- Create a comprehensive communication strategy for your employees, vendors/suppliers, and clients. It will help ensure everyone is informed and prepared in an emergency. Our Business Resiliency Roadmap– can guide you through creating a customized plan. 

Plan for Power Outages- Invest in a backup generator or coordinate with a nearby business with one to ensure continuity during outages. 

Review your Insurance Coverage- Talk to your insurance agent to ensure your coverage is up to date and your business is sufficiently protected against weather-related risks 

Stay Informed with Weather Alerts- Sign up for real-time weather alerts through the FEMA app and local emergency alerts via Cal Alerts. Consider keeping a portable radio on-site for updates during a severe weather event. 

Review FEMAs Protective Actions- FEMAs Protective actions provide practical, well-researched guidance for businesses to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.​ 

Don’t miss our monthly Outsmart Disaster Training, where we will guide you step by step through developing your business preparedness plan. The next training is in January and is also available in Spanish. 

November 2024