In 2019, 50,477 wildfires burned 4.7 million acres in the U.S., disrupting businesses and displacing people from their homes and communities. It’s essential for small business owners in wildfire-prone areas to make a plan to prepare for and deal with the aftermath of a wildfire. The U.S. Small Business Administration can help with resources and guidance before, during, and after a wildfire strikes. Here are some key tips to get your business ready for wildfire season.
Before a Wildfire
Take time to train employees before a wildfire strikes. Teach your employees about general fire safety, including how to properly use extinguishers. Make sure everyone is aware of the evacuation plan in the event of a wildfire. Hold regular evacuation drills so that employees understand their roles during a fire and know the evacuation routes and routines.
All businesses – even those that aren’t traditionally vulnerable to wildfires – should establish an emergency communications plan and ensure that important files are accessible remotely. Keep emergency supplies (e.g., flashlights, a battery-powered portable radio, a first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, and bottled water) on site in case a disaster strikes while you are at work.
During a Wildfire
When a wildfire is approaching your region, pay attention to state or local officials for guidance regarding evacuations. If you are onsite during a wildfire and do not have time to evacuate, take the following precautions to keep yourself and employees safe:
- If possible, mark your position clearly with anything that may signal rescue workers to your presence inside the building. This could be articles of clothing or bright-colored material attached to the outside of your location.
- Shut off gas meters, pilot lights, and propane tanks. Turn on all lights in the building to increase visibility in heavy smoke.
- Close all windows, doors, vents, and blinds.
- Go to a designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or interior room in the lowest building level.
After a Wildfire
When you arrive at your business location to assess damage after a wildfire, call 911 if you perceive potential danger that would require emergency services like the fire or police department. If possible, enlist help from local experts such as structural engineers to ensure that the building is safe to enter.
During the recovery process, you can apply for SBA disaster assistance if needed. Check disasterloan.sba.gov to confirm if SBA has issued a disaster declaration for your area. SBA resource partners such as SCORE and SBDCs can help you apply for disaster loans and can advise you on other aspects of the recovery process as you get your business back up and running.
It can be unsettling to think about the consequences of a natural disaster, but being prepared can help you reopen sooner..
For more information about SBA disaster assistance , visit sba.gov/disaster.
Additional Disaster Preparedness Resources
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety—Tips on how to create your own business continuity plan, how to rebuild stronger, and an interactive disaster hazard map
Ready.Gov—Preparedness tips for risks including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes cyber-attacks and active shooters