Have you evaluated the likelihood of your business being able to survive a flood, hurricane fire or some other type of natural disaster? Surprisingly, as many as 25 percent of all businesses that have to close because of some type of weather caused disaster will never open their doors again.

Even though there is no way that you will be able to reduce the risk of a natural disaster taking place, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure your business is protected from the wrath of Mother Nature. The first step will be to create a disaster plan and the review it each year to ensure that it still meets your business’s needs. The key of this plan should be to keep your business secure, even when a disaster strikes.

Some helpful tips that will get your started with a disaster plan and ensure that your assets, employees and customers are protected are highlighted here:

• Identify the likelihood of a disaster happening and determine which ones you are at the biggest risk for.

• Be sure that you have an adequate insurance policy to cover everything if a complete loss occurs.

• Make a customized emergency response plan and be sure that your employees know their role.

• Carry out drills and tests to ensure that the plan you have created can be carried out successfully.

• Create a list of addresses and phone numbers that are important so that you will be able to reach important people after a disaster occurs.

• Protect your data and computer storage by utilizing the services from data storage companies.

• Take a full inventory of your existing business property and all of your equipment.

When you take the time to create a plan, you will be prepared if a natural disaster happens. After all, these can occur at any time and any place. Being prepared is your best line of defense.