Many small businesses don't have a business continuity plan for when natural disasters strike. So here are some practical issues small business operators should consider.

1. Check in on yourself 

• Running a business is stressful, —especially during a crisis. 
• Reach out to family, friends, advisers and local support services. 

2. Talk to your team 

• Be open about how the disaster has affected your business. 
• Review employment and contractor agreements. Can employees take reduced hours, bring forward leave or take unpaid leave during downtime? Legal advice may be needed. 
• Emergency benefits may be eligible for Fringe Benefits Tax concessions.

3. Secure business records

• Talk to your software providers. 
• Restore your business systems and technology as soon as possible. 
• Replace any lost or damaged records

4. Review your insurance

• Check current policies for coverage.
• Collate details of losses - photos help.
• Contact your insurer and consider getting a second opinion on any payout. 

5. Explore Government and community support

• Check what emergency grants or support funds are available for both business and personal needs. 

6. Record damage to stock, equipment and buildings

• Keep records of damaged or destroyed items, even if sold at a discount. 
• Check whether replacement equipment is eligible for a tax write-off.Trading stock, 

7. Track repairs, clean-up costs

• Keep receipts for repairs, clean-up and temporary storage.
• Consider tax deductions – are these repairs or improvements. 

8. If you lease your premises

• Speak with your lessor or agent about rent relief and repair timelines

9. Contact your suppliers

• Review your agreements to understand your rights and obligations. 
• Ask if they can offer flexible payment terms or fast-track supply. 

10. Reconnect with your customers or clients

• Review customer agreements. 
• Share your recovery plans and how you’ll continue to support them. 
• Ask if they can pay outstanding invoices early. 
• Consider a campaign to re-engage your customer base. 

11. Update your cash flow and forecasts

• Be realistic in your estimates. 
• If you’re not a business recovery expert, consider seeking specialist business recovery advice. 

12. Understand the tax options

• Engage with the relevant tax authorities. 
• Seek deferred tax payment plans if necessary. 
• In serious hardship cases, tax debt waiver may be available. 

13. Review your finance needs 

• Estimate how much funding you’ll need to restart operations. 
• Talk to your current lenders and explore other finance options. 
• Ask about temporary interest-only repayment periods. 

14. Learn from the experience

• What worked well? What could be improved? 
• Consider developing a business continuity plan for the future. 

Natural disaster resources 

CA ANZ has curated a comprehensive list of resources and useful links to help members respond to and recover from natural disasters.