Recovering Together: Business Tips After the Storm
Chamber Blog
|Jun 26, 2024|3 min read
Our community has been hit hard by the recent storm, resulting in widespread power outages, downed power lines, fallen trees, and businesses that have sustained damage. During these challenging times, it’s essential to stay informed, connected, and proactive. Here are some practical tips to help you and your business navigate these circumstances:
Safety First
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Employee Safety: The safety of your employees is paramount. Communicate clearly about any changes to work schedules, remote work options, or temporary closures. Make sure your employees know the protocols for reporting injuries or unsafe conditions.
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Downed Power Lines: Treat all downed power lines as live. Do not approach them or attempt to remove debris near them. Contact Consumers Energy immediately to report downed lines.
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Downed Trees: Only attempt to remove small, non-hazardous debris yourself. If a large tree has fallen or is blocking access to your business, contact a professional tree removal service.
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Generator Safety: If using a generator, ensure it is properly ventilated and placed outdoors away from windows and doors. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
Communication is Key
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Update Your Google Business Page: Let your customers know your current status. If you have temporary hours due to power outages or damage, update your Google Business Page immediately. This will ensure customers looking for you online see accurate information.
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Social Media Updates: Keep your social media followers informed. Post updates about your business status, including any temporary closures or changes in operation.
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Website: If your website is operational, include a banner or notification with important updates for customers.
Stay Informed
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Check Outage Map: Stay updated on power restoration efforts by regularly checking the outage map provided by Consumers Energy. Knowing the estimated restoration times can help you plan your operations and inform your customers and employees accordingly.
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Local News and Alerts: Stay tuned to local news sources and official alerts for updates on road closures, safety information, and recovery efforts.
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Community Engagement: Stay connected with fellow business owners and local authorities through your chamber and social media groups. Sharing information and resources can foster a supportive network that benefits everyone during recovery efforts.
Utilize Available Resources
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The Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers disaster assistance loans for businesses affected by storms. Explore their website or call their hotline to see if your business qualifies for assistance.
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Disaster Help Desk for Business: Operated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this help desk offers personalized assistance and resources to help businesses manage recovery efforts. Call 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP for support.
Remember, We’re Stronger Together!
We understand these times are difficult, but our community is resilient. By working together and utilizing available resources, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. Your Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is here to support you – please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance or information. Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll get through this together.