How can I find information about disaster recovery?
Business Recovery Checklist
Most business owners are aware of basic steps that should be taken before a hurricane or other natural disaster, such as backing up computer files and having a preparedness plan. However, what do you do after a large storm-when you have no idea what condition your business will be in? Here are tasks to check off as soon as possible to minimize any delay in getting back to business.
What to do after a disaster?
- Contact insurance agent or company
- Have building inspected
- Contact utilities to restore electric, gas, telephone and water
- Re-establish communications with employees, customers and suppliers
- Assess Damage
- Note structural, equipment and property damage including inventory and materials
- Avoid additional damage by making temporary repairs in order to continue to conduct business at current facility
- Secure the building if relocation is necessary
- Cleaning of facility
- Make sure building is safe before reopening or allowing employees to return
- Use proper safety items in the cleanup process
Financial Implications
- File business interruption insurance claim
- Determine lost income
- List steps required before the business can reopen
- Consider financial obligations during interruption, including payroll and debt service
- Gather the following information for insurance adjusters: Sales records and history, Profit and loss statements and income tax forms
- Maintain records of extra expenses incurred
Make note of these State and federal government resources that are available to businesses:
NJ Office of Emergency Management
NJ State Police Headquarters
PO Box 7058
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
www.state.nj.us/njoem
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
P.O. Box 091
Trenton, NJ 08625-0091
609-584-5076 or ohsp@ohsp.state.nj.us
www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity
American Red Cross (ARC)
Contact the local chapter for publications on disaster planning. American Red Cross Headquarters
2025 E. Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
The ARC offers emergency training, go to www.redcross.org
Small Business Administration
New Jersey District Office
Two Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-645-2434
www.sba.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
212-680-3600 or toll free 800-621-FEMA
State Government Assistance
For information on emergency planning and technical assistance, contact the Business Action Center at 1-866-534-7789. Call-Center representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
Disaster Recovery & Preparedness Checklist
To help small businesses be prepared for an emergency, the State has condensed pages of resource materials and information into a simple, easy-to-follow document that contains key information, resources and reminders regarding NJ disaster preparedness, disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
