Plan your return to normal

Once you've assessed the initial damage, think about what you'll do long term.

Your options might include:

re-establishing the business – the CPA Australia Disaster Recovery Toolkit can help with this process
exiting the business

Recovery period

The time it takes for a business to return to close to normal operating levels after a natural disaster will depend on:

the level of damage to premises, stock, supplies, equipment and other assets
your insurance cover and time taken for the claim to be paid
whether you can access grants or government assistance
your business's financial position
your recovery and reopening plan
your communication and relationships with employees, customers and suppliers

The Australian Taxation Office has valuable information on rebuilding your business premises

Exiting your business

Deciding to leave your business can be a difficult decision, but sometimes it's necessary.

Exiting your business might involve:

selling the business
passing the business on to someone else
merging the business with another
closing down
liquidation (selling the assets)
forced closure (filing for bankruptcy)

Consider your options carefully and avoid making big decisions about the future of your business when you're stressed. Seek advice and take your time.

Business Victoria has information on how to exit your business

Financial support for your business

Financial assistance may be available for your business when there is a natural disaster including tax cuts and low-interest loans

Australian Taxation Office – support in difficult times

Insurance claims and disputes

Step 1: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible about how to make a claim.
Step 2: Before you start your clean-up take photos or videos of damage to your property and contents / possessions to support your claim.
Step 3: Contact the Insurance Council of Australia(phone 1800 734 621) if you have questions about your policy or don't know who your insurer is.
Step 4: Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs. Request the insurer’s permission in writing, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy.
Articles with practical information on what to do during and after a disaster can be found on the Insurance Council of Australia website.

Wellbeing support for you and your staff

Natural disasters can have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of you and your staff.

Support services such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline offer information on the impacts of a natural disaster and the signs to look after your wellbeing, and that of others, including your staff.

Communicate with your staff on the recovery process and if you have to temporarily close your business consider the impact on your staff and your legal obligations.

For immediate support, the Partners in Wellbeing helpline (1300 375 330) offers eligible small businesses free and confidential assistance to business owners. Trained financial counsellors, business advisers, and wellbeing coaches are ready to provide one-on-one assistance today.

Additionally, you can explore a wide range of tools, resources, and information on the Workplace Wellbeing Hub.

Better Health has valuable information to help you understand the emotional harm that may be caused by surviving a traumatic event.

Additional support

Agriculture Victoria – Farm business management support.
Partners in Wellbeing helpline helpline (1300 375 330) offers eligible small businesses free and confidential assistance to business owners. Trained financial counsellors, business advisers, and wellbeing coaches are ready to provide one-on-one assistance today.
Additionally, you can explore a wide range of tools, resources, and information on the Workplace Wellbeing Hub.
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - provides free financial counselling to farmers and small businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship – Call 1300 771 741.
Know your council – Municipal councils have a variety of emergency management roles that encompass all phases of emergency management, from prevention through to response to recovery.
Employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies—advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman
Natural disaster support—advice from the Australian Taxation Office
Small Business Debt Helpline—advice from Financial Counselling Australia (FCA).
Taking stock of your business—a CPA Australia kit to help you assess your financial position
What to do after a natural disaster—advice from moneysmart.gov.au
Disaster Legal Help Victoria – Free support for people affected by natural disasters

Communication with customers and stakeholders

Recovering from a natural disaster requires you to communicate with your suppliers and customers to start rebuilding and begin operating as soon as possible.

Key areas to communicate with your customers and suppliers include:

when you will re-open
where you are operating from now
when you can take new orders
when you will be able to start deliveries again.

Communication methods could include:

your business social media sites
your business website
community social media groups/forums
specific disaster groups on social media within your region
signs at your physical premises
regional radio
local papers
community notice board
school and community groups.