How to Make a Home Business Disaster Recovery Kit

A natural disaster can happen at any time and unfortunately it leaves many victims devastated in its wake. As a home business owner, you need to be prepared for any negative event. Whether the event is a fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake it can completely destroy your business. A home business disaster recovery kit is an essential tool to help you avoid a total loss of your business and income.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Organize your important files. Include invoices, client lists, inventory and any other files that are essential to the structure and operation of your business.
2. Make hard copies of basic files. Include client information, product information and pricing lists.
3. Copy all of the business files stored on your computer. Upload the files to an online storage site (see Resources below) or place them onto a portable drive or disk.
4. Update your homeowners insurance. Include your home business, inventory and other business-related items.
5. Obtain personal disability insurance. A good policy will provide money for you if you are injured or unable to work.
6. Safeguard a recovery start-up fund. The fund needs enough money to re-stock your inventory and re-start your home business.
7. Open a safe deposit box at your local bank. Store your home business recovery start-up fund, a hard copy of your business files, a copy of your disability policy and a copy of homeowners insurance policy.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to update the hard copy of your files each month.
• Make sure your insurance policy covers full replacement costs for all of your home business related items.