June first marks the official start of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, one that federal scientists predict to include frequent and powerful storms. It also poses a dual challenge for small businesses - preparing for an above-normal hurricane season while navigating a global pandemic. 

Our guest on this episode of Small Biz Insider is Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director with the Houston SBA office. 

Questions to consider as a small business owner this hurricane season: 

• Do I have a business continuity plan for when a disaster hits? Does that include prevention and assessing the risk in and around my business? 
• Do I have safety equipment? 
• Do I have an evacuation plan in place? 
• Do I have emergency equipment, such as a portable radio? 
• Do I have flood insurance? 
• How are my records stored? Do I have a backup or copies of my records? Is the backup location secure? 
• Do I have an emergency communication system with my employees, suppliers, buyers and clients/customers? 

Other considerations to take into account during the COVID-19 crisis: 

• If my business operations are affected by a hurricane or tropical storm, can I continue to operate where I am? 
• If I have to relocate my business operations, where will I go? 
• If I relocate, how and when could I relocate during the pandemic? 

"What I share with my clients is we're in Houston. And in Houston, it's not a matter of if. It's a matter of when." - Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, Houston SBA

SBA disaster preparedness and recovery resources: 

• 3 steps to create a disaster plan
• SBA Business Preparedness
• Preparing your business for emergencies
• SBA disaster assistance 

Other disaster preparedness and recovery resources:

• FEMA's Ready Campaign: Hurricane Toolkit
• FEMA: Emergency preparedness resources for businesses
• Harris County Office of Emergency Management: Preparing for hurricane season during the COVID-19 pandemic

Click here for more COVID-19 resources for small businesses. Visit the Partnership's COVID-19 Resource page for updates, guidance for employers and more information. And sign up for email alerts from the Partnership as the situation develops. 

The Small Biz Insider podcast is part of our digital series highlighting entrepreneurs in the greater Houston region who are making a big impact in the small business community. 

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