Disaster Recovery Guide
for Restaurants & Small Businesses
1.) Contact Your Insurance Company
Action: Notify your insurance provider immediately and be prepared to document the time, date, and person you spoke to.
Questions to Ask:
What is the procedure for filing a claim?
What documentation is required?
What does my policy cover in terms of property damage, business interruption, and food spoilage?
What are my deductibles, and is there coverage for temporary relocation expenses?
What steps should I take to mitigate further damage?
How will the claim process work, and when can I expect an adjuster to visit?
Is there coverage for loss of income during the closure period?
What are the requirements for temporary repair costs? Do I need to use preferred vendors?
Documentation Needed:
Lease agreements
Business interruption policies
Invoices for damaged equipment
Pre-disaster financials (to support business interruption claims)
Additional Resource: How to communicate with your insurance company: https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/speak-up-how-to-communicate-with-your-insurance-company/
2.) Document Everything Thoroughly
Action: Create an inventory of all damages, taking pictures and videos to provide visual proof of losses.
Guidelines:
Create a spreadsheet detailing lost inventory, equipment damage, structural damage, and projected repair costs.
Keep receipts for all expenses related to the disaster, including temporary fixes, inventory replacement, and generator rental.
Resource Template: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p584b.pdf
3.) Apply For Federal Assistance
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):
Action: Register for assistance and determine eligibility for grants to cover temporary rent, lost inventory, and other disaster-related expenses.
Documentation Needed:
Business tax returns
Proof of ownership (deeds, leases)
Photos/videos of damages
SBA (Small Business Administration):
Action: Apply for Physical Damage Loans to repair or replace property and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for working capital.
Application Tip: Submit applications as soon as possible, as funds are limited.
Documentation Needed:
Last three years of tax returns
Personal financial statement
Schedule of liabilities
Link: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/SBA-Disaster-Form-5.pdf
EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan):
Action: If your business is experiencing revenue loss due to the disaster, apply for EIDL to assist with operational expenses.
Eligibility: Must be in a declared disaster area and show proof of economic injury.
Link: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans
· Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Relief Fund: The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is providing direct financial assistance to businesses in the Asheville and Buncombe County area through donations and relief efforts. Funds can be accessed by contacting the chamber at payments@ashevillechamber.org or by mailing checks to their office. These contributions are intended to support small business recovery and community rebuilding efforts
· Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce
· NC Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) : Relief fund is awarded to those who lack of access to housing institutions or structures, major health conditions and cost of extraordinary health care, and general decline in the standard of living due to unemployment, underemployment, or other lack of economic opportunities. Any North Carolina restaurant, hotel, tavern, or hospitality-related business in good standing can submit a recommendation for financial assistance for any employee in need at any time. The employee must be a resident of North Carolina, work in North Carolina, and have been employed for at least 90 days by company making request. For any questions about the Workers Relief Fund, please email chamm@ncrla.org.
· Link: https://www.ncrla.org/foundation/nc-hospitality-workers-relief-fund/
4.) Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
Action: Remove all automatic drafts, bill pays from your account. Inform your bank of your situation and request to speak with a business banking specialist about disaster relief programs.
Possible Relief Options:
Temporary payment deferrals or forbearance on loans.
Emergency lines of credit.
Waived fees for overdrafts and late payments.
SBA-backed disaster assistance loans through participating lenders.
Questions to Ask:
Are there specific disaster relief loan programs available?
What are the interest rates and repayment terms for these loans?
5.) File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Action: If your business is closed, you or your employees may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Eligibility: Available for self-employed individuals, employees, and business owners affected by disasters.
Required Documentation:
Last three years of personal and business tax returns
Payroll records for the past year (for employees)
6.) Evaluate Food Safety and Health Protocols
Action: Discard any food that has been exposed to unsafe conditions such as flooding, power outages, or smoke contamination.
Additional Action: Contact local health departments for guidance on reopening and sanitation procedures.
Link:https://www.fda.gov/food/recalls-outbreaks-emergencies/food-safety-during-emergencies
7.) Reach Out to Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Action: Contact your local SBDC for free business counseling on disaster recovery, loan applications, and rebuilding strategies.
Support Provided:
Navigating loan applications
Financial and cash flow management during recovery
Marketing strategies to regain customers post-disaster
· North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center ~Western Carolina University Sub-Center~Asheville SBTDC
46 Haywood Street Suite 212 Asheville, North Carolina 28801
828-251-6025
8.) Temporary Relocation and Shared Workspaces
Action: Research temporary kitchen or retail spaces for rent while your business is undergoing repairs.
Resources:
Shared Kitchens: https://www.thekitchendoor.com/
Restaurant Real Estate: Commercial Kitchen Rental Guide
9.) Apply for Grants and Relief Funds
Action: Search for disaster-specific grant programs and relief funds for small businesses in your region.
Potential Grant Opportunities:
Local Chamber of Commerce Grants: Check local chambers for emergency funds.
Local and State Disaster Relief Programs: Search state resources for available funds.
10.) Update Your Business Continuity Plan
Action: Develop or update your business continuity plan to mitigate future risks, including emergency contacts, vendor lists, and alternative suppliers.
Template:https://www.ready.gov/business/emergency-plans/continuity-planning
11.) Communicate with Customers and Vendors
Action: Update your website, social media, and Google My Business page to keep customers informed about temporary closures or modified hours.
Resource:https://www.ready.gov/business
12.) Mental Health for Yourself & Employees
Action: Mental health is critical to recovery. There are resources to help minor to severe trauma by allowing people to express their experiences. By ignoring this problem, it may only get worse, and your business may lose key people at critical recovery times. It is better to address issues or needs up front and allow staff to debrief.
Resource:
· Disaster Distress Helpline - To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746. TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517. To see the Red Cross page for this resource click: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html.