Take immediate action

Find out what you can do right away to minimize loss and injury.

I recommend: The Federal Emergency Management Agency tells you what to do in the first 48 hours after any disaster. Learn about important actions you need to take after a flood, fire, earthquake and other disasters.

Find out the latest weather and travel conditions

A natural disaster or terrorist attack can bring road and air travel to a halt. Before you decide to transport your equipment, furniture and business documents to another location, make sure you can make the trip.

I recommend: The National Weather Service provides weather updates and emergency weather warnings. The Federal Highway Administration tells you which roads are closed or clogged. The Federal Aviation Administration gives you updates on airport closings and delays.

Retrieve your computer files

Your computer hardware may look smashed, broken or burned, but don't assume that all of the data on your hard drive has disappeared.

I recommend: Data recovery specialists such as ADR Data Recovery, a nationwide service, can provide emergency, on-site data recovery. Geeks On Call can also help you with data recovery as well as other computer-related problems that can disrupt business.

Locate temporary office space

Your office may be uninhabitable for days, weeks or months. If you can't operate out of your home, look into temporary facilities.

I recommend: At Search Office Space America you'll find listings of temporary office quarters that are available throughout the United States.

Ask a disaster recovery specialist to take-over

If a disaster has devastated your business, you'll probably need help reassembling your company. Call in a firm specializes in helping businesses through that process.

I recommend: Agility Recovery Solutions provides everything from power generators to mobile offices to keep businesses running.