5 min read
30 May
30May

For businesses in the Carolinas, hurricane season isn’t just about securing homes and stocking up on supplies—it’s about preparing to protect operations, data, and people. 

From Wilmington to Myrtle Beach, Raleigh to Charleston, companies in coastal and inland regions alike face potential disruptions that can impact everything from supply chains to employee safety.At Shore Source Business Solutions, we help businesses across North and South Carolina strengthen their operations in every season. 

With hurricane season officially running from June through November, now is the time to review your business continuity plan—or create one if you haven’t already.Here are essential tips to help your business weather the storm:


1. Have a Written Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

A business continuity plan outlines how your business will operate during and after a disaster. It should cover:

  • Emergency contacts and chain of command
  • Roles and responsibilities during a crisis
  • Backup locations or remote work procedures
  • Data backup and IT recovery strategies
  • Communication plans for employees, vendors, and customers

If your BCP hasn’t been updated in the last year—or if it doesn’t exist—this is your starting point. Shore Source can help you draft or update a practical, customized plan.


2. Back Up and Secure Data

Data is one of your business’s most valuable assets. Whether you store files locally or use cloud-based software, ensure your data is backed up regularly and can be restored quickly.

  • Use offsite or cloud storage for critical files
  • Confirm your backup systems are functioning properly
  • Protect physical equipment with surge protectors or waterproof casings

Ask yourself: if your office lost power or flooded, could your team still access what they need to work remotely?


3. Communicate Clearly and Consistently

When a storm is approaching, your employees and customers will look to you for leadership. Establish clear communication channels now so you’re not scrambling when time is short. Use:

  • Mass texting/email services for internal updates
  • Scheduled check-ins with department heads
  • Pre-written messaging templates for customer communications

Don’t forget to post updates on your website and social media so the public knows how your operations are affected.


4. Review Insurance and Financial Readiness

Understanding your insurance policies—before a storm hits—can save you time and heartache later. Review:

  • Coverage for wind, flood, and business interruption
  • Deductibles and claim processes
  • Inventory and property documentation for claims

Also, consider establishing a financial cushion or emergency fund to manage expenses in the event of closure or damage.


5. Empower Your Team to Work Remotely

Hurricanes can cause road closures, power outages, and evacuations. Equip your staff to work safely from home if needed:

  • Provide laptops, mobile hotspots, or VPN access
  • Ensure cybersecurity protections are in place
  • Conduct a remote work drill in advance

Flexibility and preparedness go hand-in-hand. The more adaptable your team is, the faster your business can bounce back.


6. Protect Your Physical Space

If your business has a brick-and-mortar location, there are key steps to reduce damage:

  • Secure windows and doors with shutters or plywood
  • Move valuable equipment and documents to higher ground
  • Shut off utilities if necessary and follow local advisories

Create a checklist and assign team members specific responsibilities to make closing the office safe and efficient.


7. Build Relationships with Local Resources

Knowing who to call after a storm is just as important as preparing before it. Build relationships with:

  • Local emergency management agencies
  • IT recovery and cleanup services
  • Business service providers like Shore Source

Having a reliable network in place makes recovery faster and more manageable.


Conclusion: Prepare Now, Recover Faster

While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond. Businesses in the Carolinas have shown time and again how resilient they are—but resilience starts with readiness. At Shore Source Business Solutions, we help organizations build strong operational foundations. Whether it’s streamlining your workflows, digitizing your records, or planning for the unexpected, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Need help preparing your business for hurricane season? Contact Shore Source today and let’s build a plan that keeps your business moving—rain or shine.