Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses: Tips to Safeguard Operations

As the devastation from Hurricane Helene and the impact of Hurricane Milton unfold across the Southeast, retailers face a tough situation. They need to respond to community needs while preparing for the security risks that come with natural disasters, including retail theft. 

The aftermath of the hurricanes highlights the need for a proactive approach to security. Instead of waiting to react with donations, how can retailers incorporate prevention? During times like this, both large and small retailers realize the importance of smart security strategies. Protecting assets and keeping operations running smoothly is critical, especially with a surge of customers and the increased risk of theft and looting. 

This can include securing high-demand items, implementing smart inventory management systems, and using enhanced security measures to deter theft. Here are six tips for retailers to prepare in advance of a hurricane or other disaster. 

Key Strategies for Retail Security During Weather Events 

To put the severity of extreme weather events into perspective, consider these statistics from Planalytics: 

• A staggering 90% of sales volatility comes from changes in day-to-day weather, rather than from extreme disasters. 
• Weather-related challenges lead to over $1 trillion in losses for businesses each year. 

So, what can small businesses and other retailers do to plan and secure merchandise leading up to and during a major disaster? For retailers in projected disaster areas and those near affected regions, taking proactive steps is important. Here are six tips to consider: 

During disasters, high-demand items like power drills, water, baby formula, and medications can be prime targets for theft. Consider investing in smart locks, like smart cabinet locks and weather-proof padlocks, to keep these products safe. Plus, adding anti-theft devices such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, security cameras, and alarms can help deter theft and provide evidence if something goes wrong. With your team feeling more stressed, reliable security can ease some of that pressure, letting them focus on helping customers.

Make it easy for customers to grab high-demand items by placing them in accessible spots. At the same time, ensure that more vulnerable items, like formula, medication, and personal care items are securely locked up. Training your staff to recognize suspicious behavior can also go a long way in keeping things safe.

Make sure your team knows how weather impacts product availability and security risks. Keeping customers informed can improve their shopping experience during tough times. Also, train your employees in emergency procedures—like evacuation protocols and communication strategies—to keep everyone safe during a hurricane. 

Think about using a single-key system like OneKEY. This can really speed things up, giving more team members quick access to merchandise when preparing for or dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane. Plus, you’ll have an audit trail and can set permissions, ensuring that only your trusted staff can reach valuable items during a crisis.

It’s smart to have plans in place for operations during extreme weather. This includes security protocols to protect your inventory and communication strategies to keep everyone in the loop. Don’t forget to have backup power sources for essential systems and stock up on emergency supplies like water and non-perishable food.

Teaming up with local organizations can really help build community resilience. By working together, retailers can support recovery efforts while also protecting their own assets. 

While you can’t predict how each natural disaster will play out, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your merchandise and ensure it gets to the people who need it most. By adopting these strategies, you’ll be in a much better position to handle the challenges that major weather events bring and minimize potential losses. 

All Weather Conditions Cause Volatility for Retailers 

No one could have predicted the catastrophic damage Hurricane Helene would cause in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, but all weather impacts sales—from everyday temperature fluctuations to major disasters. With climate change and urban planning at play, the consequences of these natural events are becoming more severe each year, leading to more challenging cleanup efforts and greater tolls on retailers and local communities. 

To enhance retail security during these weather events, incorporating weather data into your planning is key. By analyzing weather patterns alongside sales data, you can anticipate spikes in demand and make informed decisions about inventory levels and staffing. 

What Will It Take to Recover? 

In the aftermath of the hurricane, recovery in affected communities isn’t just the job of the government or kind-hearted strangers—major corporations and small retailers can play a big role, too. Many people have lost loved ones, and record-breaking flooding has made homes uninhabitable. Families are struggling in shelters without necessities, and the status of many survivors is still unclear.

Long-term recovery and rebuilding are all about helping communities bounce back stronger after a disaster. It’s not just about returning to normal; it’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next. Local governments, private nonprofits, and retailers can work together to support these efforts by providing financial help to rebuild homes and businesses and setting aside products for donation or community support after a disaster.

Effective disaster recovery really depends on strong community engagement and partnerships. It’s important for local authorities, nonprofits, and retailers to collaborate, connecting with affected communities to provide the support they need. This teamwork helps share vital information and resources that can make a real difference in recovery.

Public awareness and education play a key role in getting communities ready for future disasters. Providing people with the information they need to understand the risks and take proactive steps is vital. By educating the public, organizations aim to save lives and lessen the impact of disasters, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience in our communities.

Retailers and small businesses can collaborate with law enforcement and nonprofits to foster trust within their communities. In times of crisis, when theft may increase, it’s essential for businesses to uphold integrity and demonstrate reliability. By working together, they can ensure that community members feel supported and secure, creating a strong foundation of trust that benefits everyone. 

By being a safe place to shop and implementing effective retail security devices and strategies, retailers can foster trust within their communities. Collaborating to protect the safety of stores while ensuring product availability means businesses can continue to support their communities even after a disaster. If a store is completely looted, it may struggle to help during the next crisis, so staying connected with the community is vital. 

InVue’s Commitment to Security Solutions 

In the aftermath of hurricanes like Helene and Milton, retailers face unique challenges, especially when it comes to protecting their stores and communities. At InVue, we’re dedicated to providing innovative retail security solutions that help retailers feel secure in uncertain times. 

We can partner with you to implement effective security measures that not only protect your merchandise but also build trust within your community. As businesses rebuild, having the right systems in place to safeguard against future threats is important. If you’re ready to enhance your security and be more proactive about your retail security needs, contact us for support and tailored security solutions. Together, we can help ensure you’re around and ready to serve your community, no matter what comes your way.