SAN ANTONIO -- While many people are deciding when to return home after Harvey and business owners weigh when to reopen, some shops in disaster zones are left questioning the future.
Small business experts advise that owners have a plan in place before disaster hits.
"Every business is unique. The more you examine your processes for resiliency in a crisis, the more you'll know about effective operations for your business at any time," said Deirdre Pattillo, project manager at UTSA’s Small Business Development Center.
"Forty percent of small businesses impacted by disasters in their communities never reopen," she said.
Some considerations include backing up data files, company assets and bank records. Also, storing important documents may be the lifeline when a business is down for an extended amount of time.
"What are the things you need to access on a day-to-day basis and how would you access them if there was a flood?” Pattillo asked.
For tips on small business emergency preparedness:
Below, arial footage of Victoria restaurant The Pumphouse, which was surrounded by floodwaters. Owner Dennis Patillo says he's grateful for his preparedness ahead of Harvey, and the restaurant isn’t damaged. Patillo plans to reopen after flood waters recede.