Disaster Preparedness for Businesses

Business disaster plan circle

Following a disaster, 90% of smaller companies fail within a year unless they can resume operations within 5 days. 

Charleston has been susceptible to such disasters in the past. Disaster preparedness for businesses is a key issue for the City of Charleston because it provides the infrastructure for maintaining critical services and expediting recovery in the face of these events. 

Below you will find resources to help your business prepare and recover from a disaster. 

  1. Business Continuity
  2. Business Recovery
  3. Business Hurricane Preparation
  • FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides educational material about business continuity as well as what to do as a business before, during, and after a disaster.
  • FEMA has also provided a dedicated business continuity plan that outlines strategies and management for businesses during and after a major disaster.
  • This extensive plan was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). It outlines multiple facets of disaster planning and business continuity.
  • This Sea Level Rise Viewer was developed by the City of Charleston using NOAA's Coastal Service data for long-range decision-making in coastal communities.
  • Mapnet serves as a reference for flood insurance rates.
  • Adopt A Drain is a program to help residents and business owners collaborate with the City of Charleston to reduce flooding.
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To directly contact your South Carolina SBA disaster loan representative, please reach out to: