Natural disasters are becoming bigger events in the news as information today travels at the speed of lightening. From wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes to tsunamis with a few floods, landslides, and blizzards thrown in, all natural disasters have an impact on people and businesses.
Small businesses often feel a larger sting from these disasters because their customer bases are as impacted by the disaster as their business is. Recovery seems to take longer and be a much harder process. That’s why disaster recovery resources are so critical at times like this. They work to help rebuild the community – brick-by-brick and business-by-business.
However, it’s important that you do not become complacent in that assistance and overlook the importance of adequate insurance coverage that includes business liability insurance to help protect your business when disasters occur. Be aware of these agencies when disaster strikes. They can help you get your business back on its feet in the aftermath.
The Red Cross
The Red Cross is a charity organization dedicated to protecting human life and human dignity. Because they are a charitable organization and rely on no government funding (or bureaucracy) they can quickly get into hard hit areas with much needed medical supplies, clean drinking water, and food. The organization is as dedicated to disaster relief as they are to educating home and business owners on preparedness and recovery. Even if you don’t need assistance in the form of medical care, food, water, etc. the information they provide is invaluable.
The Salvation Army
Most people know The Salvation Army for their yearly Christmas time kettle drives where they gather money to help families in need. Some communities have Salvation Army stores where they send donated goods that are then cataloged and resold or distributed freely to families in need. However,The Salvation Army is also among the first to respond in times of disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy with hot food, clean drinking water, cleanup kits, and spiritual counseling in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is so much more than a lifeline in the aftermath of tragic natural disasters. This organization is also an exceptional resource for disaster preparedness and safety tips and training. While the media has been quick to latch onto their mismanagement at the top, it has done little to show the quiet dedication of the men and women who work consistently towards nationwide preparedness before disasters happen and quick recovery in the aftermath.
Disasters happen. When they do, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve been left alone to figure out what to do next. These organizations, and many others like them, are working hard so that you do not have to feel alone after the storms have passed, the water has receded, or the world has stopped shaking outside your doors.
