As soon as possible
First steps
Ensure the safety of your employees, assess the damage, and gather your critical records.
The Recovery Timeline
Getting back to business
If some tasks take longer than expected, keep going. You can get started on other tasks if there are delays you can’t control.
As soon as possible
Insurance claims and government assistance
Contact your business’s insurance company to start the claims process and apply for government assistance.
Insurance ChecklistAs soon as possible
Communications
Communicate with employees, customers, and stakeholders & update your business’s online presence.
Consider how to
Help the community
Consider using your online platform to share your experience and to encourage others to get involved in community recovery efforts.
Within one week
Financials
Develop a cash flow forecast, reduce business expenses based on that forecast, and think about securing short-term capital.
Within one week
Needs and plans
Prepare a situation report for your business and develop an action plan to restore your business capabilities.
Within one week
Operations
Restore operations and prioritize your employees.
Consider how to
Help the community
As you restore operations, if possible, consider sourcing goods and services from other local businesses to help them recover and rebuild.
Within two months
Opportunities
Align your business plan with the post-disaster marketplace and build back stronger.
Consider how to
Help the community
Consider giving back to your community by volunteering time or donating to local disaster relief organizations. Your business could also help by sourcing goods and services from other local businesses to help them recover and rebuild.
Giving guideThe timeline has three major timeframes:
As soon as possible
Within one week
Within two months