2 CT Small Business Development Center • CTSBDC | GrowCT.com | PrepareCT.com
Checklist for re-opening
your business after a disaster
FIRST PRIORITIES
A
er a disaster, your natural instinct may be to reopen your business as soon
as humanly possible. However, it's important to recognize that business
aer a disaster such as a flood or fire is anything but natural. Key suppliers,
employees and customers are all affected. It's crucial to step back, take a deep breath,
and reflect on all options available to you before throwing open the doors again.
e options available to you depend greatly on the financial health of your
business. And having a good assessment of your business's status is the way to
best analyze your position — and your choices moving forward. is way, you
can determine whether:
• You can afford to reopen your business and have it be the same as it was
before the disaster
• You can or should expand, downsize or even close your business.
e following areas of consideration and accompanying questions will help
you make the best possible decisions for your business aer a disaster. We hope
it can help guide you during a difficult time.
Looking inward
Were you happy running the business before the disaster?
Were you making the profit you wanted?
Did you prefer being your own boss?
Have you considered other opportunities?
Are you prepared for the potential extra demands that recovering your business will place on you,
both personally and financially?
Assessing the damage
Is your facility operational?
Can you reopen without significant repairs?
Are your inventory, supplies and equipment recoverable?
Have any of your staff been affected by the disaster?
What are your chances for future success?
