(Newswire.net — July 20, 2021) — As summer temperatures rise and dry areas risk being set alight, wildfires become a big concern for everyone, including small business owners. Since small businesses are the backbone of many local economies, their sustained vitality is critical.
Though natural disasters may seem removed from the average local business owner’s survival plan in the modern age, it is vital to acknowledge how wildfires can impact companies as extreme temperatures become increasingly prevalent. From destroying nearby flora and fauna to lost labor and transportation risks, read on to learn about the unexpected issues wildfires present so that you and your team can prevent them.
Destroys nearby flora and fauna
It’s no secret that wildfires can have devastating impacts on a variety of plants and animals. In particular, flames can terrorize existing grass seed and other indigenous plants that provide necessary curb appeal for small businesses. A clean, pristine walkway and building exterior can lead to increased foot traffic and a higher likelihood of returning customers, regardless of what you are selling. This phenomenon means that curb appeal is a vital part of every business owner’s list of necessities.
Whether you want to protect your outdoor areas from potential natural disasters or clean up after a wildfire, look into a seed specialist like Granite Seed to prioritize vital beautification efforts. With the help of revegetation seed experts, you can restore the client-attracting beauty of your storefront and ensure native grasses are set up for success in even the most volatile of soils.
Property damage
One of the most obvious impacts of a wildfire is property damage. Whether your business is in the direct path of the flame or radiant heat has singed wood or broken windows, fire is rarely a welcome visitor to anyone’s property. To prevent excessive wildfire damage, strategically placed plants and a comprehensive wildfire readiness plan are essential.
Lost labor
Even if your local economy is thriving, a wildfire likely will cause a level of disruption in the labor market. Your employees (present and future) will presumably be affected by the wildfire similarly to your business. With evacuations, potential property damage, and monetary loss to consider, many employees may need to take leaves of absence to care for their families or homes after a natural disaster. Additionally, many people may permanently move out of the local area to start fresh in an unaffected community, leading to a shortage of qualified workers.
Transportation troubles
With wildfires come inevitable road closures and evacuation routes. While these measures are necessary for community safety, they can make it very difficult for people to commute in and out of heavily affected areas. Not only will it be tricky or impossible for customers to patronize your small business, but transportation route closures can also prevent employees or business owners from working at your company in the first place.
Utility risks
A wildfire is quite a long-term nuisance if it directly impacts water, sewage, gas, or power facilities. However, even if the flames do not reach the direct utilities, they may hit the local infrastructure that supports these services and cause trouble. For example, power lines and water pipes can incur damage from fires that can take a long time for service crews to reach, let alone fix. When necessary utilities are down, many business owners find it challenging to sustain their work because of limited operational capabilities.
Before you go
Wildfire season can be a core-shaking disaster for anyone living in a wildfire’s wake. For small business owners, the risks of natural disasters can seem even more severe due to fiscal and physical damages. However, by staying vigilant about the dangers of wildfires, like transportation troubles and property damage, you and your small business can be prepared for anything.