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For small business owners struggling to succeed in this economy, it’s key to be prepared for an unexpected emergency. After all, if you’re not prepared to meet the possible pitfalls, your entire enterprise may be doomed as soon as something goes wrong. Of course, you already have insurance to take care of the most important liabilities and possible disasters, but it’s likely that your small business will meet with an unexpected cost or situation that insurance won’t cover. Here are some tips to help your small business be ready for anything that may come up.
Have an Emergency Plan
No one wants to imagine the worst that could happen, but for the sake of safety, it’s essential that you do. In the case of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, floods, or other major catastrophes, your business should be prepared to protect its customers, employees, and property. You should also have a plan to deal with unnatural disasters, such as crime or man-made attacks. All of your employees should know what the plan will be in case of a robbery or other possible disaster. Keep emergency numbers on hand so that you can get help immediately if the worst should happen.
Be Ready for Repairs
Not every emergency is a life-or-death situation, but some unexpected occurrences can put your business at risk. If an essential piece of equipment were to break down today, would your business be ready to replace or repair it immediately? How much business would you lose while you were waiting? Avoid delays by having the name and number for a great repair company on hand for any such emergency. For example, if you needed freezer repair quickly, call a local provider like Miami Beach Sub Zero Service. This way, you won’t lose business for long while your repairs are being done.
Set Aside an Emergency Fund
Most small businesses run on a very tight budget, so you may not be setting aside much money for potential emergencies. Even if it seems like an added expense that your business cannot bear, though, it’s essential that you have a special emergency savings fund to call upon when the unexpected occurs. A necessary vehicle breaks down? A product is destroyed and must be replaced? A dedicated emergency fund can keep your business afloat even in times of trouble.