Natural disasters can severely impact businesses. When the unthinkable happens, knowing how to access resources is important.
Local Resources
PA 211 can help businesses connect to resources in the event of a disaster. By visiting the 211 webpage or calling 211 from your phone, you will be connected to local United Way of Pennsylvania representatives who can provide you with available resources for disaster assistance.
State Resources
The PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) offers disaster recovery resources for individuals, local government officials, and communities. These include disaster recovery grants, federal programs, and insurance resources to help rebuild, enact preventative measures, and increase resilience after a natural disaster.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) helps communities and citizens mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other human-made disasters. PEMA supports county emergency management agencies by coordinating and engaging the whole community including federal and state partners, volunteer organizations involved in disasters, private sector business community, and citizens. Learn more about recovery, disaster declarations, and PEMA.
The PA Insurance Department can guide business owners through the process of filing claims and dealing with insurance providers after a disaster. Contact the Consumer Services Department at 877.881.6388 for assistance.
Certified Economic Development Organizations (CEDO) and/or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) may be able to assist you with business funding opportunities if your business has suffered a financial loss due to disaster.
The PA Department of Labor & Industry‘s Rapid Response Service Team is a free service that provides a pro-active, customized approach in addressing specific business needs or challenges as they arise. Businesses and employers can work directly with Rapid Response as part of their internal crisis management plan. To learn more or request a consultation, contact RA-LI-BWPO-Rapid@pa.gov or call 866.858.2753.
The PA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide no-cost confidential consulting and low-cost training for small business owners. SBDCs can also assist with disaster recovery loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) if a federal disaster is declared. To learn more about preparing for emergencies or to find your local SBDC, visit the SBDC contact page.
Federal Resources
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates disaster response efforts within the federal government. When a disaster occurs, local governments often work together with community leaders and organizations to provide on-the-ground emergency management. FEMA coordinates these efforts within the federal government and provides information specific to Pennsylvania, so everyone is able to respond to disasters.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Business Casualty, Disaster and Theft Loss Workbook (PUB 584-B) helps you determine your business and income-producing property losses in the event of a disaster, casualty, or theft. It contains schedules to help you calculate the loss of your office furniture and fixtures, information systems, motor vehicles, office supplies, buildings, and equipment. To learn more about calculating loss or reconstructing records after a natural disaster, contact the IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline at 866.562.5227.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may have disaster recovery loans available if an event is declared a federal disaster. To learn more about preparing for emergencies or the disaster assistance process, contact the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
