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September is National Preparedness Month. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help organizations become more aware of their risks in the event of a disaster while also helping them develop business continuity plans to support rebuilding and recovery of operations. Advance preparation is key to protecting your assets and reopening your business as quickly as possible.

The National Preparedness Month 2019 theme is Prepared, Not Scared. This effort, led by FEMA and sponsored by the Ready Campaign, is aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness. It’s never too early to take steps to get prepared to protect your property, your team and your community.

Get tips on how to build your own disaster preparedness plan during an upcoming Twitter chat and webinar.

>>ALSO SEE: IHA partners with Good360 to assist in Hurricane Dorian relief and Giddy paperie helps families in Bahamas after hurricane strikes.

Twitter Chat: How to Prepare Your Business Before Disaster Strikes

• Wednesday, September 18 
• 3 p.m. EDT
• SBA and IBHS will co-host this chat. Follow along with hashtag #SBAchat.

Webinar: Fortifying Property Against Natural Hazards

• Tuesday, September 24 
• 2 p.m. EDT
• SBA and IBHS will co-host a webinar focused on fortifying your property against natural hazards. Individuals may register for the webinar here.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance following a declared disaster in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

Additional Resources

Many businesses along the east coast have prepared for a possible hurricane this past week. Other companies across the nation may never face such a threat, but may at some time be challenged by other types of disasters such as floods, fires, tornados, and other emergencies. Any such tragic event can negatively impact businesses, employees, and local communities. Here are some resources that may provide valuable insight into preparedness measures businesses can take.

• DisasterSafety.org
• FEMA’s Emergency Preparedness Resources for Businesses
• SCORE
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation 
• CDC Emergency Response Resources
• Homeland Security: Prepare Your Business for an Emergency
• Insurance companies. Check with your agent about resources offered to develop disaster plans.