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Top 10 Things Georgia Small Businesses Should Do Now

General News Article

Please see a note below from Georgia Chamber President & CEO, Chris Clark.
 
Dear Federation Partners,
 
As we enter the height of hurricane and storm season, the Georgia Chamber encourages all local chambers to share this urgent reminder with your members:
 
NOW IS THE TIME FOR EVERY BUSINESS IN GEORGIA TO PREPARE.
 
Severe weather events can strike with little warning and with devastating impacts on business operations, employees, and local economies. The Georgia Chamber is committed to supporting your chamber of commerce, community and members with timely resources, expert guidance, and rapid response coordination.
 
Please circulate the following Top 10 Business Preparedness Checklist and encourage your members to take proactive measures today:
 
Top 10 Things Georgia Small Businesses Should Do Now
 
  1. Update Your Emergency Plan
    Ensure employees know evacuation routes, communication protocols, and business continuity steps.
  2. Back Up Important Data
    Secure digital and physical copies of critical records, including financial, HR, and client information.
  3. Review Insurance Coverage
    Confirm storm and flood protection are included, update inventory lists for claims.
  4. Create a Communications Tree
    Set up text/email chains to quickly reach employees, customers, partners, local chambers of commerce, and suppliers.
  5. Prepare a Remote Work Strategy
    Test systems to maintain operations if your office is inaccessible.
  6. Build a Supply and Equipment Kit
    Include flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, chargers, backup power, and basic tools.
  7. Secure Your Facilities
    Trim trees, reinforce windows, clear drains, and elevate equipment in flood-prone areas.
  8. Designate a Disaster Response Lead
    Assign someone to monitor storms, execute plans, and communicate updates.
  9. Know Your Recovery Resources
    Identify FEMA, SBA, and state-level support before a disaster strikes.
  10. Bookmark Key Resources for Preparedness and Recovery
    1. Georgia Chamber Disaster Resource Center
    2. U.S. Chamber Foundation Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Toolkit
       
The Georgia Chamber stands ready to support your team and your members before, during, and after a storm. By working together, we can build a more resilient business community throughout our state.
 
In order to ensure that we are coordinating and supporting you we will host a Georgia Chamber Federation call on Wednesday, July 16 at 9:00 a.m. You will receive an invitation shortly and I hope you will join us.
 
Please let us know how we can assist your chamber in preparedness and response efforts this season.
 
Sincerely,
 
Chris Clark
President & CEO

Top 10 Things Georgia Small Businesses Should Do Now