The hurricane season typically peaks between August and October, so act now to protect your farm or ranch from the ravaging effects of a storm. Residents and businesses along the Eastern Seaboard were caught off guard last October by Hurricane Sandy, and are still struggling to rebuild.
So it’s best to be prepared for worst case scenario. Be advised, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) experts are predicting an active season for the Atlantic this year.[emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
The good news is there are some precautions you can take now, at no cost, to protect your business. Start by determining where your farm or ranch is most vulnerable, whether it be weak fencing, wind damage, or flooding. Next, take action to minimize your risk, U.S. Small Business Development Administration officials suggest.
Calculate how much it will cost you if your business has to close for one week, one month, or even six months, then investigate insurance options or set aside some cash.
SBA officials also recommend developing an e-mail alert system to communicate during a crisis, and considering a work-at-home policy in the event employees cannot make it to work.
For more help, check out the free SBA and Agility Recover webinar slides at http://www2.agilityrecovery.com/assets/sba2013hurricaneprep.pdf .
CREDIT
column by Baxter Troutman
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Arcadia. A citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.
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