As business attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly an unexpected event—whether natural disaster, cyberattack, or even a local power outage—can disrupt operations. When that happens, the businesses that recover fastest are the ones with organized, accessible financial and legal records.

Preparedness isn’t just about emergency kits or insurance—it’s also about documentation. Losing critical business records can delay your ability to file insurance claims, apply for relief funds, or prove compliance in an audit.

Keep Your Plan Current

Your emergency plan should be reviewed annually to reflect changes in your operations, ownership, or location. The federal resource Ready.gov offers helpful checklists, but your plan should also include a legal review of your entity documents, contracts, and risk management policies.

Secure and Digitize Your Records

Maintain digital, encrypted copies of essential documents—such as contracts, corporate records, tax returns, and insurance policies. These should be accessible from multiple secure locations. This not only protects your data but also supports your legal compliance and business continuity obligations.

Document Your Assets

In the aftermath of a disaster, detailed records of your property and assets are essential. Photographs, videos, and a current inventory can simplify both insurance and tax reporting. The IRS provides a Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Publication 584-B) to guide this process.

Understand the Relief Available

If your business is impacted by a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible for tax and filing relief. Accurate recordkeeping ensures you can access these benefits quickly. Visit IRS.gov or contact the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227 for details.

How Chase Law Group Can Help

At Chase Law Group, we help businesses prepare for the unexpected by reviewing corporate documents, insurance coverage, and compliance frameworks to ensure you’re legally protected in any scenario. From entity management to employment policies, having the right legal foundation before disaster strikes can make all the difference afterward.

If you’d like to review your business continuity plan, confirm your legal compliance, or strengthen your recordkeeping practices, our team is here to help. Contact Chase Law Group at 310-545-7700 or visit chaselawmb.com for guidance.

Don’t wait for a crisis to test your preparedness
Contact Chase Law Group for help today

WWW.CHASELAWMB.COM
310-545-7700

_{Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice and does constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business and its practices.}