Business Survival “Grab and Go Box” Checklist

The “Grab and Go Box” should contain copies of important information, documents, and supplies essential for your business to continue operating after a disaster. This information should be stored in a waterproof secure container available to grab and go in case of an emergency. Ideally a second copy of this information should be stored at an alternate location. Review the contents of the “Grab and Go Box” quarterly and update as needed.

Recommended contents of the “Grab and Go Box”:

• Copy of emergency contact list of all employees and key customers/clients, including phone numbers, addresses, and Email addresses.
• Voicemail box number, remote password information and instructions so you can check and change messages as needed, providing information to employees so they can call in for instructions if they cannot reach you by phone.
• Copy of insurance policies, agent contact information and the main insurance contact phone number.
• Copy of listing of supplier(s), vendor(s) and emergency vendors (plumbers, electricians, restoration contracts, mold remediation, etc.). Make contact with these emergency vendors once a year, making sure that they are still in business, they still cover your area, and they will be able and willing to provide service to you. Also, discuss what type of payment they will take in an emergency situation.
• Several copies of your “Authorized Passage Under Emergency Conditions Memo” (or letter) in case one of your employees loses their letter or it is destroyed. If your employees and you have this authorization letter and it is safe to return, the police may let the holder of the letter into the business.
• Back-up files/tapes or server(s) of all electronic data (in a remote location).
• Copy of essential papers, emergency procedures, and your “Business Continuity Plan”.
• General office supplies: pens, pencils, stapler, tape, paper, plus any special forms, etc. used in your business.
• Camera (disposable is fine) to take pictures of damage. Take pictures of the business (or home-based business) inside and out, before and after the storm.

Documentation needed for loans and/or assistance following a disaster:

Sole Proprietorships

• Copy of current Profit & Loss statement
• Copy of Listing of Inventory
• Copy of Schedule of Liability
• Copy of Balance Sheet (as recent as possible)
• Copy of all of your required licenses (County Occupational License, City Business Tax License, State of Florida Professional License, etc.)
• Copy of 3 years tax returns with Schedule C (if this is a new business, submit copies of the ones you have filed)

Corporations/Partnerships

• Copy of 3 years tax returns with Schedule C, plus 1 year personal tax returns on principals (affiliates with greater than 20% interest)
• Copy of current Profit & Loss statement (within 90 days)
• Copy of Listing of Inventory
• Copy of Schedule of Liability
• Copy of Balance Sheet (as recent as possible)
• Copy of all of your required licenses (County Occupational License, City Business Tax License, State of Florida Professional License, etc.)

Download a Business Survival “Grab and Go Box” Checklist copy now (MS Word).