2026 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar Helps Charlotte County Businesses Plan, Protect and Recover
May 12th, 2026
Hurricane season can disrupt more than buildings and operations. It can affect employees, customers, supply chains, utilities, cash flow and the long-term stability of a business. That is why Charlotte County Economic Development hosted the 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Businesses, bringing together local and state partners to share practical steps businesses can take before, during and after a storm.
The webinar focused on preparation, communication, employee support, business continuity and recovery resources available to Charlotte County employers. Business owners and managers who were unable to attend can now watch the recording and review the resources shared by the presenters.
Watch the Webinar Recording
View the full 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Businesses below.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
1. Know your risk and make a plan
Charlotte County Emergency Management emphasized the importance of understanding local risks, creating a plan, building a kit, staying informed and helping employees prepare at home. Businesses are stronger when their teams know what to do before a storm threatens the area.
2. Support employees before, during and after a disaster
United Way Charlotte County shared strategies for helping employees stay safe and recover faster, including maintaining updated contact information, communicating early and often, offering flexibility, sharing community resources and connecting employees to support services such as 211 and United at Work.
3. Build or update your business continuity plan
The Florida SBDC at FGCU highlighted why every business should have a business continuity plan. A strong plan helps businesses identify threats, understand potential impacts, create a response strategy and test that strategy before an emergency happens.
4. Know where to find recovery resources
FloridaCommerce shared information on ESF 18, the state’s business, industry and economic stabilization function. Businesses were encouraged to use FloridaDisaster.biz for updates and resources, including business damage assessment information, emergency bridge loan resources, disaster unemployment assistance and recovery program updates when activated.
5. Stay connected to workforce support
CareerSource Southwest Florida shared how businesses can access workforce-related support before and after a natural disaster, including employee services, recruitment assistance, job matching, hiring events, training resources and help connecting displaced workers with employment opportunities.
Featured Webinar Partners
Thank you to the local and state partners who shared their expertise and resources with Charlotte County businesses:
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- Charlotte County Emergency Management
- United Way Charlotte County
- FloridaCommerce
- CareerSource Southwest Florida
- Florida SBDC at FGCU
- Charlotte County Economic Development
- Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
- Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
- Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Start Preparing Now
The best time to prepare is before a storm is on the way. Businesses are encouraged to review their emergency plans, update employee contact information, protect important documents, talk with insurance and banking partners, prepare communication procedures and connect with local support organizations before hurricane season intensifies.
Charlotte County Economic Development will continue working with local and state partners to share resources that help businesses stay resilient, protect their teams and recover quickly after severe weather events.
2026 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Businesses
The 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Businesses is now available as an on-demand resource. Watch the recording and access presentations from Charlotte County Emergency Management, United Way Charlotte County, FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Southwest Florida and the Florida SBDC at FGCU.
The webinar covers business continuity planning, employee preparedness, disaster recovery resources, workforce support and practical steps businesses can take before, during and after a storm.
