Message from WBDC Florida:

As Hurricane Milton approaches and makes landfall in Florida, we want you to know our thoughts are with each of you!

At WBDC Florida, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want you to know we are here for you during this challenging time.

Please take all necessary precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your businesses. If you need assistance or resources to help you prepare, we are ready to support you with any information and guidance you may need. Feel free to reach out to us for help — we are in this together.

How to Prepare Your Home and Family for a Storm

Read through these tips from the federal government to be sure you and your loved ones are ready and to understand the differences between storm categories.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Storm

Here are 10 essential tips to help your business prepare for a hurricane:

1. Develop a disaster plan. Establish a comprehensive emergency plan for your employees, outlining evacuation procedures, communication channels, and post-disaster recovery steps.
2. Back up data. Regularly back up all critical data to an off-site location or cloud storage to ensure data integrity after the storm.
3. Secure your property. Install storm shutters, secure doors and windows, and elevate important equipment and documents above flood-prone areas.
4. Check insurance coverage. Review your business insurance policy to ensure coverage for property damage, flood and business interruption.
5. Create a business continuity plan. Identify critical operations and create contingency plans to maintain essential functions during and after the hurricane.
6. Set up emergency contacts. Compile a list of emergency contacts, including employees, vendors and insurance agents, ensuring everyone knows who to contact during and after the storm.
7. Stock emergency supplies. Keep emergency supplies such as first aid kits, water, flashlights, batteries and other essentials on hand at your business premises.
8. Prepare financial reserves. Set aside emergency funds to cover potential expenses like repairs, equipment replacement or temporary relocation.
9. Communicate with customers. Inform your clients about potential disruptions in service and provide updates via email, social media or your website.
10. Document and photograph assets. Take photos and videos of your inventory, equipment and property before the hurricane to have a detailed record for insurance claims.

Our team is also here to provide any support, even if it's just a virtual hand or a listening ear. Click here to link to our contact information or schedule a call.

We are always here for you!

Nancy G. Allen

President & CEO

WBDC Florida

nancyallen@wbecflorida.org