Winter Storms: How to Prepare Your Business for the Worst

It may only be fall but winter storms are on the horizon and now is the best time to prepare for the storm.

There's no way to avoid the snow and wind that hit much of the United States during the winter but you can minimize the impact it has on your business. Storm preparation for homeowners is a big topic but it's just as important for businesses to be ready.

You're probably not going to stock up on canned goods and candles like you would at home but there are other ways to make sure you're ready to take on the storm.

If you rent your business space, check the lease to see who is responsible for making repairs to the exterior and for flooding damage. If you own the property then take a look at your insurance policy to make sure you're covered.

The legal language in those documents can be confusing and if you skim it, you might miss important details.

You can always ask your attorney to go over it for you so you know it's a thorough review. Better still, make an appointment to go over it together so you know what's covered.

Stocking up on candles and batteries is probably not enough to cover your business's needs. You may want to invest in a generator if your company relies on electronics.

Keeping the building safe and productive isn't your only concern. It's also important to make sure employees are safe both going to and coming from work. Depending on your business structure, it may make sense to encourage employees to work from home when the weather is bad.

Otherwise make sure entrances and exits stay clear and walkable during the storm. Any slip and falls coming to or leaving work could still be the responsibility of your business.

There's no way to stop the storms but there are ways to avoid the damage they do to your business. Be prepared before the warnings start so that you won't be taken by surprise when winter sets in.

Related Resources:

• Business Off the Rails (The Wall Street Journal)
• Storm Season Is Here: Are You Properly Insured? (FindLaw's KnowledgeBase)
• SBA Disaster Loans: Who is Eligible and What Types Are There? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)