The City of Austin Small Business Division is committed to providing disaster preparedness and disaster recovery resources to the small business community. We have created this resource site to aid and assist businesses that have been affected by economic and natural disasters. This site is by no means comprehensive; however, the information contained may meet the immediate needs of your business during your time of preparation and recovery. 

By taking small steps to create a preparedness plan, Austin small businesses can be ready for an event that severely disrupts operations, such as extended power outages, pandemics or natural disasters. Read more about the small business preparedness campaign launched by the City of Austin. Emergency Preparedness - Shoal Creek Saloon's Story

 

For more information about  Coronavirus (COVID-19) click here

 

Resources and Preparedness Materials

Small Business Resources

The City of Austin Small Business Division offers a directory of small business resources offered by local, state, and federal governments and non-profit agencies. 

Helpful Links

Create an Emergency Plan | Make an Emergency Plan

Download Create an Emergency Plan PDF

  • Make a disaster supplies kit for immediate use. 
  • List emergency steps for your employees and designate a safe place to meet. 
  • Maintain a list of critical phone numbers (employees, key customers, suppliers, banking and insurance agents, etc.).  
  • Leave extra keys and alarm code with trusted employee.
  • Keep fire extinguishers in visible places with certifications up to date. 
  • Maintain a first aid kit and certify employees in first aid and CPR training. 
  • Owner and key employee should know how to forward calls on business line.
  • Keep current list of inventory and store critical supplies or equipment in a safe place. 
  • Install emergency, battery-powered lighting and purchase additional backup power, if needed. 
  • Train employees in how to shut off utilities (where appropriate). 
  • Visit WarnCentralTexas.com to sign up for emergency warnings in your neighborhood by voice, text or email. 
  • Review insurance policy & needs regularly with agent to ensure adequate coverage for your business risks.

 

Make an Emergency Plan

Download Make an Emergency Plan PDF

  • Prepare an emergency kit that can be used immediately .
  • Prepare an emergency step list for your employees and a designated, safe place to meet in an emergency.lista de pasos de emergencia para sus empleados y un lugar designado y seguro para reunirse en una emergencia.
  • MantengaKeep a list of important phone numbers (employees, customers, key vendors, bank and insurance agents).lista de números de teléfonos importantes (empleados, clientes, proveedores clave, agentes bancarios y de seguros).
  • DejeLeave copies of the keys and the security alarm code with a trusted employee.copias de las llaves y el código de la alarma de seguridad con un empleado de confianza.
  • MantengaKeep fire extinguishers in visible places with current certifications.extintores de incendios en lugares visibles con certificaciones al corriente.
  • MantengaKeep a basic first aid kit and certify your employees in first aid and CPR.estuche básico de primeros auxilios y certifique a sus empleados en primeros auxilios y RCP.
  • The business owner and trusted employees should know how to forward calls on the line of business.
  • Keep a current inventory list and store critical supplies or equipment in a secure location.
  • Be sure to install battery-powered lighting and purchase equipment for additional backup power, if needed.
  • Educate your employees how to turn off the water and power services.
  • Visit WarnCentralTexas.com to sign up to receive emergency notifications by voice, text or email.
  • Review the insurance policy with your insurance agent to ensure adequate coverage for your business risks.póliza de seguro con su agente de seguros para asegurar una cobertura adecuada para los riesgos de su negocio.
Practice Emergency Plan with Employees | Review the Emergency Plan with Employees

Download Practice Emergency Plan with Employees PDF

  • Keep your emergency plan in easy to find locations – on the computer, copy posted in break room, keep one in car.
  • Show staff where to find emergency plan.
  • Review the plan step by step at regular staff meetings.
  • Test the notification process – call/text employees with “alert” to see how long it takes for information to reach them.
  • Talk through potential threats and responses to them with all staff at least twice a year.
  • Offer first aid and CPR training exercises for all staff.
  • Walk through each step of the plan, including evacuation procedures.
  • Update emergency plan based on lessons learned at least annually.
  • Train employees how to shut off and restore utilities (where appropriate).
  • Conduct random drills for safe evacuation, assembly at the designated safe place to meet, and accounting for all personnel.
  • Practice securing key equipment and supplies, storage containers, etc., to prevent damage from movement or release of contents.

Know What to Do in Case of a Power Outage | Saber Qué Hacer en Caso de un Apagón de Energía

Get Ready. Stay Ready.

Know what to do in case of an outage.

Weather disasters keep coming, with bigger storms that last longer. As Austin Energy prepares for future power outage emergencies, you can get ready, too.

Know what information you need and where to get it:
  • How to report an outage.
  • How to sign up for outage alerts and how to read the outage map.
  • How to get updates from Austin Energy and other City of Austin departments.
  • How to make an emergency plan specific to your needs. 
  • Hot to stay safe during an outage. 
Make sure Austin Energy has your contact information:
  • Update your cell phone number and email address at COAUtilities.com.
  • If you do not have online access, call 512-494-9400. 
Learn how Austin Energy handles power outages:
  • How Austin Energy crews prepare and repair.
  • How Austin Energy communicates during an outage.
  • Why some outages take so long to repair.
  • Where to get information about tree trimming. 

Visit AustinEnergy.com/go/outage so you know what to do in case of an outage. 

Este listo. Mantente listo.

Saber qué hacer en caso de un apagón.

Los desastres meteorológicos siguen ocurriendo, con tormentas más severas y duraderas. Mientras Austin Energy se prepara para emergencias de apagones de energía en el futuro, tú también puedes prepararte.

Saber qué información necesita y dónde obtenerla:
  • Cómo reportar un apagón.
  • Cómo registrarse para recibir alertas de apagones y cómo leer el mapa de apagones.
  • Cómo obtener actualizaciones de Austin Energy y otros departamentos de la Ciudad de Austin.
  • Cómo hacer un plan de emergencia específico para sus necesidades. Cómo mantenerse seguro durante un apagón.
Asegúrese de que Austin Energy tenga su información de contacto:
  • Actualice su número de celular y dirección de correo electrónico en COAUtilities.com.
  • Si no tiene acceso en línea, llame al 512-494-9400 para actualizar su información.
Aprenda cómo Austin Energy maneja los apagones de energía:
  • Cómo se preparan y reparan las cuadrillas de Austin Energy.
  • Cómo se comunica Austin Energy durante un apagón.
  • Por qué algunos apagones se tardan tanto en repararse.
  • Dónde obtener información sobre la poda de árboles.

Visite AustinEnergy.com/go/outage para saber qué hacer en caso de un apagón.

Assess Your Risks  |  Evalúe sus Riesgos

Download Assess Your Risks

Visit www.ready.gov/business for additional guidance.

  • Threats that interrupt business operations vary based on size and type of business and its location(s). Consider all types, including weather, technological, illness or accidents.
  • List the most likely risks (fire? illness? power outage? flood? workplace violence?) & vulnerabilities (people, supply chain, IT).
  • Determine impact of risks on operations and finances (loss of sales, overtime labor, customer dissatisfaction) depending on when and how long the interruption lasted.
  • Review assessments with staff for input.  
  • Consider how your operations would be affected by loss of a key supplier or road closure.
  • Consider employees’ needs for short-term assistance, including advances on future wages.
  • Reach out to public officials and mental health providers within the community to identify services that may be available to employees during an event.

 

Evalúe sus Riesgos

Descargar Evalúe sus Riesgos PDF

Visite www.ready.gov/business para orientación adicional.

  • Las amenazas que interrumpen las operaciones de los negocios varían dependiendo del tipo, el tamaño y la ubicación de los mismos. Tome en consideración todos los tipos, incluyendo las meteorológicas, tecnológicas, de enfermedad o accidentes.
  • Haga una lista de los riesgos más probables (¿incendio? ¿enfermedad? ¿corte de energía? ¿inundación? ¿violencia en el lugar de trabajo?) y las vulnerabilidades (personas, cadena de suministros, TI).
  • Determine el impacto de los riesgos en las operaciones y las finanzas (pérdida en ventas, horas extra de trabajo, clientes insatisfechos) dependiendo cuándo y cuánto duró la interrupción.
  • Revise las evaluaciones con el personal para su contribución.
  • Piense cómo se verían afectadas sus operaciones debido a la pérdida de un proveedor clave o al cierre de una carretera.
  • Piense en las necesidades de ayuda a corto plazo para los empleados, incluyendo un adelanto de su sueldo.
  • Acérquese a los funcionarios públicos y proveedores de servicios de salud mental para identificar los servicios que pueden estar disponibles para los empleados durante una contingencia.
Emergency Communication Plan  |  Plan de Comunicación de Emergencia

Download Emergency Communication Plan PDF

Visit www.ready.gov for helpful tips.

  • Modern telecommunication channels are often disrupted in a disaster, so it is important to be able reach employees, customers, and suppliers through a variety of means.
  • Maintain current contact information that includes both work and personal email addresses and cell phone numbers for employees, their emergency contact, key suppliers, and primary customers.
  • Test your employees’ contact information at least twice a year with “test” texts or calls.
  • Owner and key employee should know how to forward calls on business line.
  • Consider posting info to your website and/or providing a call-in number for employees, suppliers and customers to learn updates.
  • Designate one person to speak on behalf of the business and make sure employees know to refer media, customers, suppliers to him/her.
  • Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred), extra power adapters, and car chargers for cell phones on site to receive and send critical information.

 

Plan de Comunicación de Emergencia

Descargar Plan de Comunicación de Emergencia PDF

Visite www.ready.gov para más consejos útiles

  • A menudo, los canales modernos de comunicación se interrumpen durante un desastre, por lo que es importante poder contactar a los empleados, los clientes y los proveedores a través de diferentes medios.
  • Mantenga actualizada la información de contacto e incluya direcciones de correo electrónico personal y de trabajo, teléfono móvil de empleados, sus contactos de emergencia, proveedores clave y clientes primarios.
  • Pruebe la información de contacto de sus empleados por lo menos dos veces al año con llamadas o mensajes de texto “de prueba”.
  • El propietario del negocio y los empleados de confianza deben saber transferir llamadas en la línea del negocio.
  • Piense en poner información en su página de internet y/o proporcionar un teléfono para empleados, proveedores y clientes para saber más sobre las actualizaciones.
  • Designe a una persona para hablar en nombre del negocio y asegúrese de que los empleados la conozcan para remitir a los medios, los clientes y los proveedores a hablar con dicha persona.
  • Mantenga una radio de baterías o de arranque a manivela (de preferencia una radio del Tiempo NOAA), adaptadores de corriente extra y cargadores de auto para teléfonos móviles, para recibir y enviar información crucial.
Protect the Essentials  |  Proteja lo Esencial

Download Protect the Essentials PDF

Check out www.ready.gov/business or www.disastersafety.org for more helpful tips.

 

Employees – the most valuable resource

  • Know multiple ways to contact them and a friend/family member in case of emergency.

  • Encourage them to make a family emergency plan.
Technology – protect data and systems

  • Maintain antivirus and other protections for your equipment and computer network systems.

  • Identify data to backup, implement hardware and software backup procedures, conduct regular backups and validate that backup data is available.

  • Ensure payroll systems are secure and available during an event

  • Develop an IT Disaster Recovery Plan to be able to restore hardware, applications and data in timely fashion.
Building, equipment, supplies and other assets

  • Purchase back-up generator or other power source for critical equipment, such as computers, climate control, refrigeration.

  • Keep your site secure with locks, alarms, security cameras, proper lighting and employee/contractor badges, as applicable

  • Store supplies in a secure and safe place

  • Visit with local police liaison for training or services available to prevent crime and ensure worker safety

 

Proteja lo Esencial

Descargar Proteja lo Esencial PDF

Visite www.ready.gov/business o www.disastersafety.org para más consejos útiles.

Empleados– el recurso más valioso
  • Tenga diferentes formas de contactarlos a ellos y a sus amigos o familiares en caso de emergencia.
  • Aliéntelos a preparar un plan de emergencia familiar.

 

Tecnología – proteja los datos y los sistemas
  • Mantenga un antivirus y otras protecciones para su equipo y sistemas de redes informáticas.
  • Identifique la información para respaldar, implemente procedimientos para respaldar el hardware y los programas , respalde con regularidad y verifique que la información respaldada esté disponible.
  • Verifique que los sistemas de nómina estén seguros y disponibles durante una contingencia.
  • Desarrolle un Plan de Recuperación de TI con el que sea posible restaurar el hardware, las aplicaciones y la información de manera oportuna.

 

Edificio, equipo, suministros y otros activos
  • Compre un generador de emergencia u otra fuente de poder para el equipo crítico como: computadoras, equipo para control de temperatura, refrigeradores.
  • Mantenga su lugar de trabajo asegurado con candados, alarma, cámaras de seguridad, iluminación adecuada y credenciales para los empleados y contratistas.
  • Guarde los suministros en un lugar seguro.
  • Hable con un oficial de enlace local para información sobre entrenamiento o servicios disponibles para prevenir delitos y garantizar la seguridad de los trabajadores.
Review Bank & Insurance Policies  |  Revise sus Pólizas de Seguro y Bancarias

Download Review Bank & Insurance Policies PDF

  • Review insurance needs and policies regularly with your agent to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Adjust the risks covered and loss limits of current policies if your business or assets have changed since the policies were issued.
  • Be sure that insurance covers the risks to your business. Flood damage or lost income are not covered by ordinary business insurance policies. Consider adding coverage for business interruption, lost income, flood damage, relocation, temporary operations, supplies, inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Review your needs with your banker and access to systems during and after an event.
  • Be sure your payroll system and banking system (cash, credit cards and checks) are operational.
  • Ask if your insurer what proactive steps you can take that would lower your premiums.
  • Review with an agent to see what is needed to file a claim & keep key information items handy.

 

Revise sus Pólizas de Seguro y Bancarias

Descargar Revise sus Pólizas de Seguro y Bancarias PDF

  • Revise sus necesidades y pólizas de seguro regularmente con su agente para asegurar una cobertura adecuada.
  • Si su negocio o sus activos han cambiado, ajuste la cobertura de riesgos y los límites de pérdida de sus pólizas actuales.
  • Make sure your insurance covers risks to your business. Flood damage or loss of income is not covered by ordinary insurance policies. Consider adding coverage for business interruption, loss of income, flood damage, relocation, temporary operations, supplies, inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Review your needs with your bank agent and access to your systems during and after a contingency.
  • Make sure your payroll system and banking system (cash, credit cards, and checks) are up and running.
  • Ask your insurer what steps you can take in advance to lower your premiums.
  • Review with your agent what is needed to make a claim. Keep key information close at hand.