Helping small businesses survive hurricane season

Damage estimates of recent Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a high Category 3 hurricane on August 30, are as high as $20 billion. While that total is well below the damage caused by historic Hurricane Ian last year, for the small fleets and small businesses affected by Idalia, the damage can be severe. Plus, as of this writing, Hurricane Lee is gaining intensity and is expected to hit the southwestern Atlantic early next week.

In anticipation of the Atlantic hurricane season, which started June 1 and goes through November 30, we recently published an article focused on maintaining your fleet’s resiliency and avoiding truck damages throughout hurricane season. Given the reality of the destruction and damage caused by Idalia, this follow-up article outlines some of the resources available to help small fleets and small businesses recover and survive the rest of the hurricane season.

SBA disaster assistance for small fleets and small businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released Hurricane Idalia disaster resistance information, including the areas in the southeast U.S. that are eligible for SBA disaster loans as well as the types of disaster loans available. Note that the filing deadline for physical damage is October 30, 2023.

FEMA response and recovery information

The latest Hurricane Idalia response and recovery information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contains a wide array of resources including how to apply for assistance. Additional information from the U.S. government, including how to find out if you qualify for disaster financial assistance, can be found on its Hurricane Idalia page.

Fleet technology can help recover from Hurricane Idalia

WEX is committed to helping fleets of all sizes minimize downtime associated with weather events and disasters. The WEX Connect app, which provides real-time information and identifies open fuel and charging stations, is one example of WEX’s commitment to helping large and small fleets stay in motion.

WEX fleet cards offer year-round access to emergency services, no matter the weather. No two fleets are the same, and no two fleet cards are the same. The WEX FlexCard can be a good fit for small fleets. View WEX’s fleet card comparison chart for more information.

Business continuity plans for small fleets

According to the U.S. government, about 25 percent of businesses do not reopen after disasters. Having an emergency disaster plan and a business continuity plan in place can reduce that risk and help your business recover faster.

To learn more about WEX, the global commerce platform that helps businesses solve for operational complexities including managing and mobilizing fleets, please visit wexinc.com.

Sources:
Small Business Association
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
US Government
FEMA